Sharing development opportunities and welcoming the blessed Ramadan together
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On the occasion of the sacred and auspicious month of Ramadan, I extend, on behalf of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Erbil, the most sincere greetings and blessings to our Muslim friends in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). May this month of piety and compassion bring you peace, joy, and abundance, and may Allah bless all those working for peace and development on this land.
Amidst the blessings of this sacred time, please allow me to share with you the springtime news of China's development. The recently concluded "Two Sessions" in Beijing—the third session of the 14th National People's Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference—demonstrated to the world the vitality of this ancient Eastern nation. Over the past year, China's economic ship has navigated steadily through challenges, with its GDP surpassing $18.74 trillion, growing at 5 percent and continuing to lead major global economies. China contributed nearly one-third of global economic growth, with high-quality development advancing steadily, new quality productive forces taking shape, and Chinese modernization making solid strides.
China's development has always resonated with the world. We remain committed to peaceful development and to sharing opportunities and pursuing common prosperity with all nations. China stands ready to work with all nations including Iraq as well as the KRI, to advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, engage in reforming and improving the global governance system, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. These goals align perfectly with the spirit of unity and mutual assistance championed during Ramadan. In the new year, Chinese diplomacy will continue to serve as an anchor for global peace, injecting certainty into global governance through Eastern wisdom.
Taking this auspicious occasion, I would like to share with you the Ramadan scene of China's Muslim community. In Xinjiang, one of the major regions where Chinese Muslims reside, over 25 million people of various ethnic groups live in harmony, with Muslims constituting more than half of the population. During Ramadan, as dawn breaks, the aroma of freshly baked naan bread fills the streets, and Muslim compatriots peacefully observe their religious duties. The regional government has designated Eid al-Fitr as a public holiday and ensures meticulous services for the festival—from traffic management around mosques to abundant holiday market supplies, from officials sharing Iftar meals with communities to special cultural events—all reflecting the governance philosophy of 'celebrating diversity in harmony.'
This inclusive development approach has allowed Xinjiang to shine brightly. In 2024, the GDP of this Silk Road gem exceeded $285.7 billion, growing at 6.1 percent, a testament to the seamless blend of tradition and modernity. In the Kashgar Economic Development Zone, Aideles silk dances alongside robotic arms, while photovoltaic arrays and drip-irrigated farmlands dot the edges of the Taklimakan Desert. As Mr. Shorsh Saeed, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry of Iraq for Multilateral and Legal Affairs and former Ambassador to China, remarked during his visit to Xinjiang: 'The historical resolution of absolute poverty, robust infrastructure, and high-level development in the economy, society, and culture exemplify the Communist Party of China's unwavering commitment to putting the people first.'
Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims to purify their hearts and practice benevolence, as well as an opportunity for civilizations to learn from one another and deepen understanding. The friendship between China and the Islamic world dates back millennia, with Chinese porcelain, tea, Middle Eastern spices, and ancient texts bearing witness to East-West exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. Today, as natural partners in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are forging even stronger ties.
In recent years, China-Iraq bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching a record $54.2 billion in 2024, a 9 percent year-on-year increase, to which the KRI contributed significantly. Chinese enterprises' strengths align closely with the KRI's development strategies, with robust cooperation in traditional energy and infrastructure and vast potential in digital economy and advanced manufacturing. We are confident that more Chinese companies, products, and investments will enter the region, boosting local socio-economic growth. We firmly believe that win-win cooperation bridges regions and cultures, and the spirit of unity and dedication emphasized during Ramadan forms the cornerstone of deepening partnerships.
In the face of global challenges—from climate change and sluggish economic growth to rising trade protectionism—let us seize the spirit of Ramadan to strengthen friendship, deepen collaboration, sow goodwill, overcome difficulties, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind!
Liu Jun is the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Erbil.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
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