The China-CELAC Forum in action. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.
In a joint declaration, the countries highlighted fruitful results in cooperation based on the principles of equality and sovereignty.
Ten years after its creation, the China-CELAC Forum has consolidated its position as one of the most relevant platforms for dialogue between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
“The platform has strengthened cooperation between CELAC members and China, based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, plurality, and shared benefits,” states the meeting’s final joint declaration.
Under the theme “Planning development and revitalization together, jointly building a China-LAC community with a shared future,” the meeting brought together representatives from more than 30 countries and leaders such as Xi Jinping (China), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Gustavo Petro (Colombia), and Gabriel Boric (Chile).
The meeting also reaffirmed Latin America’s commitment to the “One China” principle, as well as to international law, non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, in times of rising global geopolitical tensions.
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Joint projects and shared visions
During the summit, achievements in multilateral cooperation were highlighted, including projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and interest was reiterated in key areas such as infrastructure, connectivity, innovation, energy transition, and the fight against poverty.
China and the CELAC countries reaffirmed their support for projects such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, in addition to supporting the Global Partnership against Hunger and Poverty, proposed by Brazil.
In an important political gesture, Argentina was absent from the ministerial plenary session and did not sign the final documents, marking a departure from the diplomatic course of the current government in Buenos Aires.
Global Reforms: Security Council and Financial System
One of the central points was the call to reform global governance institutions. Democratizing the UN Security Council was emphasized, and it was expressed, with China’s support, that the time has come for a person from Latin America or the Caribbean to occupy the position of secretary-general of the United Nations.
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Likewise, a reform of the international financial system was advocated in order to make it fairer and more functional for countries in the Global South. The need for multilateral governance over emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, under UN leadership, was also discussed.
Regarding security, the declaration condemned terrorism in all its forms, rejected its association with ethnic groups or religions, and proposed intensifying cooperation to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and corruption.
The countries reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, gender equality, and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and vulnerable groups.
Finally, they reiterated their support for Haiti and proposed a comprehensive stabilization approach for the Caribbean country in coordination with the international community and the United Nations.
(TeleSUR)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/KW/SL
