ISTANBUL 

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for greater dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, saying Beijing is ready to work with other countries to build a global network focused on peace and development.

In a written address to the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, Xi said the world must embrace diversity and promote exchanges across cultures to foster mutual understanding and long-term stability, according to state-run Xinhua News.

“The world is, in nature, a place of diverse civilizations,” Xi said. “History has shown us that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are essential for civilizations to flourish and human progress to be made.”

He emphasized that in a world facing constant upheaval, dialogue must bridge cultural divisions, and learning between civilizations must replace conflict.

Xi said China would work with other nations to uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, and inclusiveness, aiming to establish a global platform where civilizations can engage in peaceful cooperation.

He also urged participants to engage in meaningful discussion, share perspectives, and work toward common ground to strengthen friendship and peaceful coexistence.

The two-day event, held under the theme Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development, drew more than 600 participants from nearly 140 countries and regions.