Xi: World yearns for peace, trust more than ever

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for greater mutual respect, trust and understanding in the international community to bridge the global deficit in peace, as he extended a congratulatory letter to a forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust in Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan.

In the letter, Xi noted that global challenges have continued to emerge, with conflicts and confrontations flaring up in different regions, adding that the world yearns for peace and trust more than ever.

"History shows that the more turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more the international community must stand together and support one another," he said.

The president highlighted the need to resolutely safeguard the authority and position of the United Nations, resolve disputes through peaceful means and oppose hegemony, bullying and actions that benefit oneself at the expense of others.

He urged all parties to pursue extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to close the deficit in trust, uphold fairness and justice through the international rule of law, and advance solidarity and cooperation through multilateralism.

"We must remain committed to ensuring that global affairs are jointly discussed, the international order jointly upheld, and the outcomes of governance shared by all."

Xi mentioned the Global Governance Initiative he proposed in September, saying that Beijing stands ready to work with all countries to safeguard world peace, promote common development, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Chinese president also expressed steadfast support to Turkmenistan in pursuing its policy of permanent neutrality, saying that the two nations are like-minded friends and partners committed to mutually beneficial cooperation.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in March 2024 proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.