Speech delivered by President Zhu at the Launch of the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law
Distinguished Guests, my dear friends, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning!
Today we gather to officially launch the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law. At this special occasion, please allow me, on behalf of Xiamen University and the Xiamen Academy of International Law, to extend our warmest congratulations on the initiation of the program, and our warmest welcome to the 22 officials from member states of the AALCO!
60 years ago, delegates at the Bandung Conference agreed on the ten principles that govern inter-state relations, and left us with a valuable legacy of solidarity, friendship and cooperation. As the fruit of the Bandung Conference, the AALCO has, over the past 60 years, witnessed the remarkable journey that Asian and African countries have taken to secure a fair and equitable international order. It also bears witness to the unyielding and concerted efforts of Asian and African countries to achieve national development and rejuvenation. Today, the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law is a testimony to the strong desire of Asian and African countries to continue to uphold the spirit of the Bandung Conference, further South-South cooperation, and contribute to the building of the rule of law.
The Chinese leaders attach great importance to the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law. During his attendance at the annual meeting of the AALCO in April 2015, Premier Li Keqiang has announced that China will provide funding for the launch of this Program. Following Premier Li’s announcement, President Xi Jinping also announced later at the Asia-Africa Summit that this program was regarded as one of the concrete steps taken by China to enhance Asia-Africa cooperation. Chosen as the platform for launching the program, Xiamen is bestowed a great honor, but also great responsibility. This is not only an important step to implement a state’s foreign policy, but also a chance to witness another historic moment in the longstanding friendship between China and Asian-African states. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the trust they have placed upon us.
Xiamen Academy is chosen as the main platform for implementing the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law. Since its establishment in 2005, the Xiamen Academy of International Law has been committed to the promotion of academic research, scholarly exchange and has acted as a platform for international cooperation in the field of international law. It also seeks to educate experts from across the globe, especially from the Asia-Pacific region. Over the years, the Academy has established a close link with the AALCO. This link was formed as early as 2009, when Secretary Rahmat Mohamad, at the invitation of the Academy, gave opening lectures to our participants. Today, at the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Xiamen Academy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has entrusted the Academy as a platform for the official launch of the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law. Xiamen University attaches great importance to this event. We promise that we will create the best possible conditions for the students to facilitate their studies and life in Xiamen.
I wish that the China-AALCO program will be a huge success! And wish all participants of the summer program a pleasant and fruitful stay in Xiamen. Thank you very much!