LUSAKA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind has received the backing of leading think-tanks in Zambia. The Chinese Embassy in Zambia recently organized a symposium to introduce and discuss this vision, aiming to enhance understanding of China's foreign policy among Zambian intellectuals.

The think-tanks that were invited to the symposium believe that the vision is vital especially in the current era of global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and warfare.

Herrick Mpuku, the executive director at Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research based in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, said a global community of shared future that pursues openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit is important in today's world.

"If well harnessed, it may address the differences in social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of development by coming together to promote shared interests, shared rights and shared responsibilities in global affairs," Mpuku said at the symposium.

Mpuku praised China's proposed goals for building this global community, including partnerships, security, development, inter-civilization exchanges and ecosystems.

He expressed happiness that Zambia and other African countries agreed with China's vision as seen in a number of protocols and initiatives as demonstrated by various protocols and initiatives aimed at promoting development and peace.

The alignment of China's policies with those of Zambia and other African nations presents an opportunity for mutually beneficial international cooperation, he added.

China, he said, has already shown its willingness to enhance development cooperation with African countries through initiatives such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) through infrastructure development, finance and capacity building.

Sydney Mwamba, the executive director at Policy Monitoring and Research Center, said China's policy of fostering mutually beneficial cooperation has significantly contributed to Zambia's socio-economic progress especially in the area of infrastructure development.

He noted that the various projects developed in Zambia with China's assistance exemplify the tangible benefits of the cooperation between the two countries.

Zambia, he added, has also benefited through skills and technology exchange initiatives between the two countries which have empowered local personnel and fostered self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

"As we strive to build a community with a shared future for mankind, we must deepen and diversify our collaboration across various sectors, from infrastructure and agriculture to healthcare and education," he said.

Fredrick Mutesa, the secretary-general of the Zambia-China Friendship Association (ZCFA), said the various challenges facing the world such as climate change and pandemics require concerted efforts of all countries.

He said China's vision makes the country a global force for peace and has improved understanding among peoples of the world.

"At ZCFA we believe that this is an opportunity which all progressive forces must seize with open arms. The common threats which face mankind today such as ravages of climate change, which we here in Zambia are currently experiencing, the emergency of global pandemics, widespread poverty and conflicts are challenges which require the international community to pull together in a concerted effort," he said.

He said China's vision is included in the FOCAC mechanism which has resulted in the implementation of various programs.

On his part, Wang Sheng, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, said China remains a staunch force for peace, stability and progress in the world which is undergoing profound changes, with mankind confronted by multiple challenges.

"While pursuing its own development, it works relentlessly for peace and development of the world, and a stronger and more prosperous China is making ever greater contribution to world peace and progress," he said.

Wang noted that the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind offers China's answer to what type of world is currently required.

The goal is to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity he said, adding that China has developed three initiatives namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, in which the country seeks to bring other nations together to address challenges and achieve common prosperity. Enditem

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