Ex-Canadian PM hails Xi's positive role on world stage

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has become very important on the world stage, where he "can play a very positive role," former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien told CGTN on Sunday on the sidelines of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting.

The meeting, held from Thursday to Sunday in Beijing, was themed "Working together towards a community with a shared future for mankind and a better world: Responsibilities of political parties." Leaders from over 200 parties and political organizations from more than 120 countries gathered in the Chinese capital for the event.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the opening ceremony of the meeting on Friday, saying that the CPC will continue to contribute to world peace, stability and development.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting in Beijing, December 1, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Chrétien, who attended the meeting, said it was very inspiring that Xi vowed no matter how strong China may become, it will never seek hegemony or expansion, but it will continue to be a builder of world peace, contributor to global development and defender of international order.

"That's what's important," said Chrétien, who was the prime minister of Canada from 1993 to 2003. "He is to defend the international order, for asking the people to improve the quality of their lives and to maintain world peace and prosperity. That's a positive and optimistic message."

In his speech, Xi said building a community with a shared future for mankind is in essence to connect the prospects and destinies of every nation and country closely together, share weal and woe, and turn planet Earth into a harmonious family.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien (R) has an interview with CGTN in Beijing, December 3, 2017. /CGTN Photo

Chrétien, 83, was impressed by Xi's interpretation of the concept.

"We have to learn from each other, and we have to help each other. And I said during my tenure as the Canadian prime minister that China will clearly become an important player in the world," he said.

Commenting on Xi's speech, Chrétien added he realized how important the Chinese president has become on the world stage. "And he [Xi] can play a very positive role there."

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