In a wide-ranging video address on Wednesday, Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, called on member states of the Group of Friends of Neutrality to team up and breathe new life into multilateralism. Speaking at the second meeting of parliamentary leaders – hosted virtually by Turkmenistan's Mejlis chairperson, Dunyagozel Gulmanova – Zhao stressed the need to reform and improve global governance as turbulence reshapes the international landscape.
As the world marks the 80th anniversary of both the United Nations' founding and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, Zhao warned that multilateralism faces fresh headwinds. He said now is the moment to renew commitment to sovereign equality, the international rule of law and a people-centered governance model under the Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
Launched by China following other major blueprints such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, the GGI aims to build a fairer and more equitable system for international cooperation. Zhao underlined the role of parliamentary bodies in advancing just governance and in building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Looking ahead, Zhao urged all members to align on the four global initiatives, strengthen ties and back an international order centered on the UN and the international-law-based system. He also highlighted China's commitment to deepen its comprehensive partnership with Turkmenistan and jointly advance a China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future.
The Group of Friends of Neutrality, founded in August 2020 by Turkmenistan, now counts 18 founding members. Since its inception, it has served as a platform for trust-building, dialogue and cooperation that puts multilateralism into action.
Reference(s):
China urges members of neutrality group to improve global governance
cgtn.com
