China lauds OIC’s resolution on Xinjiang

BEIJING: A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Lu Kang has lauded the resolution on Xinjiang, adopted at the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Minister of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The resolution commends China's efforts for the well-being of the Muslims. It vindicated China’s position on Xinjiang, rejecting the negative propaganda of some Western countries to this effect.

The spokesperson said at the regular news briefing here on Monday that the resolution adopted OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on March 2 in Abu Dhabi speaks highly of and fully recognizes the efforts China has made for Chinese Muslims and expressed its willingness to strengthen cooperation with China.

“The Chinese side appreciates that very much. Not long ago, an OIC delegation visited Xinjiang when they were in China for a political consultation. They saw for themselves that local Muslims live a happy life with good employment and full freedom of religion.

They spoke highly of China's ethnic and religious policies and recognized China's efforts for preventive counter-terrorism and de-radicalization. In fact, China enjoys traditional friendship with Islamic countries and has close communication and exchanges with the OIC.

Under the current circumstances, China stands ready to work with the OIC to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with the OIC and the Islamic world and forge the relationship into a model for cultural exchanges and South-South Cooperation, “he added.

Replying to a question about the prevailing tension situation between Pakistan and India, the spokesman said that the Chinese government is ready to play constructive role, easing tension between the two sides.

"The Chinese side has maintained close communication with India and Pakistan and has been doing the work of persuading and promoting talks. We are willing to continue to play such a constructive role,” he added.

About Russian government’s statement on the situation, the spokesperson said, “We welcome all positive measures that will help ease the current regional situation and promote regional peace and stability.

Lu Kang added, “We have said many times that India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia. We very much hope that the two sides can maintain good-neighborliness and friendship and resolve their mutual problems through friendly consultations.”

China’s principled position is that we encourage the relevant parties in the international community to make all constructive efforts that are conducive to promoting the relaxation of the regional situation and maintaining peace and stability in the region.”