China and Brazil have always persisted in peaceful development, impartiality and justice and have identical or convergent views on many international and regional issues. Both countries are staunch defenders of multilateralism and the basic norms governing international relations and have maintained close collaboration throughout this time on important issues such as global governance and climate change in international organizations and multilateral forums such as the UN, the G20 and BRICS.

Just recently, China and Brazil issued common understandings on a political resolution to the crisis in Ukraine and received a positive response from the international community. Hand in hand, the two countries are fulfilling their roles as major responsible countries, promoting global multipolarization and the democratization of international relations, as well as injecting positive energy into world peace and stability.

In today’s world, transformations on a scale not seen in a century are taking place at an accelerated pace, and new challenges and changes continue to emerge. A Chinese saying goes: “In a boat race, those who row hard win; in a sailboat race, those who dare to advance under full sail win.” China and Brazil, two great developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres and important members of the BRICS, must unite more closely, dare to be pioneers and wave chasers, and together open up new navigation routes that lead to a more beautiful future that the peoples of the two countries and humanity deserve.

We must maintain friendship as the general direction for the development of the relationship between China and Brazil. We will always persist in mutual respect, trust and learning and further strengthen exchanges between governments, between political parties, between legislative bodies at all levels and in all areas. We will strengthen exchanges of experiences in governance and development, consolidate mutual strategic trust and further compact the political base for Sino-Brazilian relations. We will continue to take advantage of the role of cooperation mechanisms such as Cosban and the Global Strategic Dialogue, to form a stable and mature relationship between great countries and promote it in order to move forward with firm steps and reach far and wide.

We must cultivate new strengths for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Brazil. Both countries have important goals of accelerating economic development and improving people’s well-being, and are striving to achieve breakthroughs in modernization. In the rapidly evolving context of the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, our countries must seize future opportunities. We will continuously promote the strengthening of synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil’s development strategies, constantly strengthen the strategic, global and creative nature of China-Brazil mutually beneficial cooperation, create more exemplary projects that meet future demands and bring lasting benefits to the people, and push forward the common development of our countries and regions.

We must consolidate the friendship between the peoples of China and Brazil. The rich and unique cultures of the two countries inspire and attract each other. We must carry on the good tradition of openness and inclusion, deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture and education, science and technology, health, sport, tourism and between sub-national entities. In this way, our peoples can get to know a more genuine, multidimensional and lively China and Brazil, and we will train more “ambassadors” who work for the long continuity of the traditional China-Brazil friendship. With these exchanges, we will ensure that our civilizations live together in harmony, shine together and contribute to the civilizational diversity of our world, which can be compared to a garden full of flowers.

We must demonstrate the unity, mutual aid and responsibility of China and Brazil. Today, the Global South is collectively on the rise, but its voice and aspirations are not yet fully reflected in the system of global governance. As major developing countries, China and Brazil must assume the responsibility entrusted by history and work together with the other countries of the Global South to firmly defend the common interests of developing countries, face global challenges with cooperation, make global governance fairer and more equitable, and contribute to the peace, stability and common development of the world.

Another important objective of my visit to Brazil is to participate in the G20 Summit. The G20 is an important platform for international economic cooperation. Brazil set the motto of its presidency as “Building a just world and a sustainable planet”, proactively promoted G20 cooperation in all areas and laid a good foundation for the successful holding of the Summit in Rio. President Lula adopted “fighting hunger and poverty” as a main theme of the summit and proposed the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, to which China expresses great appreciation and support.

In order to build a just world, the G20 must persist in the principles of mutual respect, cooperation on an equal footing, mutual benefits and shared gains, and support the countries of the Global South to achieve greater development. We need to put development at the heart of G20 cooperation, prioritize the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, form a global partnership for sustainable development, promote a more inclusive, beneficial and resilient global development. We must proactively promote the reform of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization and increase the representation and voice of the Global South. We must strengthen the coordination of macroeconomic policies, promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment and create an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for international economic cooperation.

To build a sustainable planet, the G20 needs to advocate sustainable production and life and harmonious coexistence between man and nature. It needs to boost in-depth international cooperation in areas such as green and low-carbon development, environmental protection, energy transition and tackling climate change, persist in the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and provide more support to the countries of the Global South in terms of funding, technology and capacity building. Thirty-two years ago, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development was held in Rio de Janeiro, where key results such as Agenda 21 were achieved. One of the important agendas of the G20 leaders in Rio will be the discussion on green and low-carbon development on the planet. I hope that the summit can inject greater vigor and confidence into global sustainable development.

I am convinced that the G20 Summit in Rio will achieve fruitful results and leave a distinct Brazilian mark on the history of the bloc. I also look forward to working together with President Lula to lead China-Brazil relations into the new “golden 50 years” and form a community with a fairer and more sustainable shared future.