by Xinhua writer Dong Yue

BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The Global Civilization Initiative is of great importance to fostering world development and peace, a veteran media professional has said.

"The Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China advocates inclusiveness among civilizations, showing the right way for the international community to build peace and achieve development together," said Sovann Heng, editor-in-chief of the Cambodian version of Contemporary World magazine. He spoke to Xinhua on the sidelines of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing from Thursday to Friday.

"Every country has its own view, its own perspective as well as its own independence, and the world cannot be dominated by one voice or one civilization," said Sovann.

Cultural diversity and differences "do not mean confrontation or division," but make it necessary for countries to "support each other and help each other in terms of collaboration for further development," he added.

By promoting inter-civilizational dialogue, "countries, whether big or small, can respect each other, and treat each other as equals," said the senior editor, expressing hope that "the world can work together in this way."

As a media professional, Sovann is especially focused on the role of media in promoting cultural exchanges. "Through media collaboration, we can understand each other more and better."

Under the theme of "Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development," the ministerial meeting gathered over 600 guests from approximately 140 countries and regions.

"By gathering together, policymakers and leaders from think-tanks and others can reach common understandings on building the real action plan for the world to achieve a better future," Sovann said.

On cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and China, Sovann said the two countries are both rich in cultural resources.

"China has a long history and numerous good stories to share with the world, while Cambodia has many cultural relics and historical sites. I look forward to further strengthening cultural cooperation between the two sides."