At the invitation of Gambian President Adama Barrow, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zheng Jianbang visited Gambia from Saturday to Sunday to attend the 15th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Banjul, capital of the Gambia, as a special representative of the top Chinese leader, who sent a congratulatory message to the opening of the summit on Saturday.

The message and visit show the strategic importance Beijing attaches to relations with the OIC, and Islamic countries as a whole.

The OIC is a manifestation of the unity and independence of Islamic countries. It has made important contributions to strengthening cooperation among Islamic countries.

China and Islamic countries are good friends and partners with a long history of friendship. In recent years, China and Islamic countries have supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation, and the two sides have continuously upgraded their friendly relations, setting a good example of South-South cooperation.

China and Islamic countries should strengthen their strategic communication and cultivate new cooperation highlights. The two sides can strengthen communication and coordination to help inject impetus into the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to promote the fair settlement of regional hotspot issues.

The Israel-Palestine conflict is the pressing issue at present. It cannot be marginalized, and the historical injustice endured by the Palestinian people cannot be allowed to continue. The two sides can work together to promote a cease-fire and the realization of the two-state solution as set out in United Nations' resolutions.

The two sides can also work together to strengthen the solidarity and coordination of developing countries, uphold true multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

-FMPRC.GOV.CN