China's top diplomat calls for 'accelerated' green transformation in trans-Himalaya regions

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA/KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for “accelerated” green transformation in the trans-Himalayan region, promoting sustainable economic development in the region.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee, made these remarks during his speech at the third Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation in Xizang city of Tibet, the Chinese daily Global Times reported.

They will collaborate with countries in the region to share historical opportunities for development, build a community with a shared future with neighbors, and contribute their fair share to prosperity, stability, green growth, and environmental protection in the region and beyond, the top diplomat said.

He added that Beijing has actively supported green development, carrying out several "collaborative" projects in clean energy, water conservation, sewage treatment, forest protection, and climate response with other trans-Himalayan countries.

The trans-Himalaya region is a source of Asian rivers and lakes as well as Asia's ecological heartland.

“We need to step up coordination on macro policy planning, deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on climate response, biodiversity protection, pollution control, and disaster prevention and relief, and enhance the capacity of regional countries for environmental protection, to jointly build the trans-Himalaya region into a zone of ecological civilization," he was quoted as saying by the daily.

"Let us uphold the philosophy of ecological conservation, follow the trend of green development, set our sights high, and pool strength, to turn the trans-Himalaya region into a land of excellent ecological conservation and a highland of development," he said.

In conducting neighborhood diplomacy, Wang said China will adhere to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and the policy of building friendships and partnerships.

"We need to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs, support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests, and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, to jointly build the trans-Himalaya region into a family of solidarity," he said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pakistan's interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in combating environmental degradation, climate change, and the loss of ecological diversity.

He underscored Pakistan's commitment to ecological balance and urged policy coordination and experience sharing among countries in the region, said a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

Jilani also reaffirmed his country's support for regional cooperation for clean and sustainable development.

Initiated in 2018, the Trans-Himalaya Forum serves as a platform for regional countries to strengthen practical cooperation in connectivity, environmental preservation, ecological conservation, and the bolstering of cultural ties.

This year's theme is "Ecological Civilization and Environmental Protection."

* Aamir Latif in Karachi contributed to this report