Cooperation necessary for success, leaders say

Major global challenges such as terrorism and climate change allow no country to sacrifice others for its own self-interests, and political parties should join hands in efforts to tackle the thorny issues, political leaders say.

These recommendations were made by speakers addressing the second plenary session and closing session of the Communist Party of China in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting in Beijing on Sunday.

Marina Sereni, vice-president of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies and a member of the leadership of the Democratic Party of Italy, said new threats require “strong cooperation and political dialogue”.

“Fighting climate change and poverty … are tasks that no country can face and beat alone,” she said.

Nafie Ali Nafie, secretary-general of the Council of African Political Parties, said political parties have great understanding of the actual situation at the local grassroots level, they know best the top concerns of the local community and their operations greatly supplement government efforts.

Political parties should boost the resolution of issues through advancing legislative campaigns in their respective countries, and offer solutions that meet the expectations of people from all walks of life, he said.

Olga Epifanova, deputy chairwoman of Russia’s State Duma, warned that terrorism is like a plague in the 21st century and some countries have failed to translate into actions their commitment to fighting terrorism.

Epifanova raised the refugee issue in Europe and noted that some European countries have failed to accept refugees as required by the European Union.

Mohammed Moussaoudja, vicepresident of Algeria’s People’s National Assembly and leader of the National Liberation Front, said that as Africa Union’s anti-terror center is located in his country, the fight against terror should transcend borders and become a real worldwide fight.

With peace and tranquillity under threat in the world, the United Nations’ fundamental role in resolving the challenges should be reinforced, and South-South cooperation is particularly important, he said.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is a “major player” on the global stage in this regard, he added.

Jiko Fatafehi Luveni, leader of the Fiji First Party and speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, called for concerted global efforts in taking on climate change as a clean environment is critical to the island nation in the Pacific Ocean.

The Fijian speaker said China has pushed for the implementation of the agreement approved at the Climate Change Paris Conference, helping offset the impact of climate change on the world.

Choo Mi-ae, head of the ruling Minjoo Party of the Republic of Korea, said no thought could be significant if it is not put into practice, and a resolute fight should be made by all countries against challenges including ecological imbalance and terrorism.

Choo called on attending parties and delegates to build the community with a shared future and reinforce unity within and operations by political parties.

Fighting climate change and poverty … are tasks that no country can face and beat alone.”

Marina Sereni,