Madam Chairperson,

I am entrusted by H.E. Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government, the warmest congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement and convocation of the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the NAM. I wholeheartedly thank the South African Government, for the careful arrangement of this meeting and warm welcome accorded to delegations. I am convinced that under your guidance, this meeting will be a success.

Madam Chairperson,

Upon the entering of the new century, there have been important and profound changes in the international situation. The tendency of world multi-polarization and economic globalization is gaining momentum. All peoples aspire for the long-lasting peace of the world, the stability and tranquility of their life, the abundant material and spiritual wealth, and the establishment of a fair and rational new international political and economic order. Therefore, the two main themes of our time are still peace and development. There are more opportunities than challenges before us. But major international disputes and issues are still occurring from time to time, traditional and non-traditional security factors are interwoven together. The main conflicts in the international relations are far from being solved. The irrational, unfair old international political and economic order has yet to be replaced. The gap between the developed and developing countries is being widened. Conflicts triggered by ethnical, religious, and territorial problems, as well as the problems of resources keep cropping up. Non-traditional security threats, such as HIV/AIDS, environmental deterioration, drugs, are much more conspicuous than ever. The threats of terrorism changed the basis of our traditional security concept. The issues of how to enhance the world peace which we have been striving for, to make the world which we rely on a safer place, and to make our people live better, remain the long-term objectives of each nation.

We believe that, the realization of world peace and security relies on the common endeavors of all the members of the international community on the following aspects:

First, promote the democratization of the international relations and advocate the mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among all nations. Countries, big or small, rich or poor, weak or strong, are equal members of the international community. They have equal rights to participate in the international affairs and make independent choice on their own social systems and ways of development. The purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and other established norms of international relations remain to be the guidance to the democratization of the international relations and the peaceful coexistence as well as common development among nations.

Second, foster a new security concept and ensure the security of all nations. The core issues of the new security concept are mutual trust, mutual benefits, equality and collaboration. Global security issues need to be solved with global efforts. No country should achieve its own absolute supremacy on security at the expense of other countries'. Countries should seek security through mutual trust, and pursue cooperation to their mutual benefits, so as to effectively reduce insecurity factors.

Third, solve the issue of development and make sure that all countries will come out as winners and prosper side by side. The developing countries are getting marginalized in economic globalization. The international community, in particular the developed countries, should demonstrate their political will to fulfil the objectives set forth by the UN Millennium Summit and the International Conference on Financing for Development. They should help developing countries improve their capacity building and create a sound development environment for the developing countries, and make the economic globalization conducive to the balanced, stable and sustainable development of the world economy.

Fourth, respect the diversity of the world and promote dialogues among all civilizations. Diversity is the universal law of nature. Each nation, religion, and civilization has made its own contribution to the development of mankind. Since national traditions, religions, culture, economic level and political system of all the countries are diversified, it is impossible to leave them at the hands of one single country, not to say cover them all with one development model and one criteria of values. We believe that all civilizations and social systems can complement one another under the circumstances of competition and make progress together in a spirit of seeking common ground while shelving differences. It needs to be pointed out that terrorism, which is the common scourge of the international community, is against the tune of our civilization. Actions against terrorism should not target at any ethnic group nor at any religion. In the fight against terrorism, international efforts should be stepped up and comprehensive measures should be adopted, dealing not only with the symptoms but also the root causes.

Madam Chairperson,

Developing countries are the mainstay of the world to safeguard world peace and promote common development. Over the past decades, NAM, as a venue for the developing countries to achieve solidarity and self-reliance, has always adhered to the purposes and principles of independence, non-alignment and peaceful settlement of international issues. It is always committed to the development of multi-polarization and peaceful settlement of international and regional disputes and makes great efforts to establish a new international political and economic order. We appreciate NAM's contribution to the Middle East peace process. We are deeply concerned about the present deteriorating situation in the region and always prepared to work with NAM and make our efforts for the realization of comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.

This Ministerial Meeting is an important occasion at the beginning of the new century when the international situation has undergone great changes. It also serves as the preparatory meeting for the forthcoming 13th NAM Summit. We believe that this meeting will further enhance the cohesion of the NAM, promote the unity and cooperation among the developing countries, expand the consensus on the development of the NAM new century strategy and increase the influence of the developing world in the international affairs. We hear the calling from the new century and we will encounter new opportunities in the new situation. We are confident that NAM will surely grasp the opportunities and meet the challenges.

As a member of the developing world and an observer to the NAM, China has stood firmly together with NAM through thick and thin over the past decades. We have supported each other and made concerted efforts together to tide over the difficulties and make progress. No matter how volatile the international situation is, China will always stand with the NAM as a sincere and reliable friend. China will, as always, be committed to safeguarding the interests and rights of the developing countries, strengthening our solidarity and cooperation, and promoting the long-lasting peace and security, development and prosperity of the world.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.