True harmony isn't about uniformity but rather about working towards shared goals while respecting each other, said Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium and the first-ever President of the European Council.
Having visited China many times, Van Rompuy believes that harmony is at the heart of Chinese civilization. He sees great potential for China and Europe to develop together by embracing the principles of harmony in diversity and seeking common ground while respecting differences.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) released Friday, Van Rompuy described the pursuit of harmony as a deeply human endeavor which reflects the desire for peace and avoidance of conflict.
"What we strive for is for everyone to coexist harmoniously, so that we can work together toward shared goals. People often approach matters from the perspective of their own interests. After all, every country has interests it seeks to protect. However, we can also take a broader view, considering history and culture as starting points to explore how we can collaborate and build a shared future. I find this process truly fascinating because it speaks to something deeply human. Deep down, we all seek to avoid conflict and war as much as possible. We want to live in peace. And yet, in the world we live in today, war has returned, even to the European continent. This is why the principle of harmony in diversity is so valuable, not just for you, but for us as well," Van Rompuy said.
"One key point I firmly believe in is that harmony does not mean uniformity. That is a common misunderstanding. We must respect differences. In this process, we must acknowledge that we are different. There is no need to pretend otherwise. What truly matters is not that we all become the same, but that we listen to each other and ultimately find ways to work together and coexist in harmony," he said.
Van Rompuy calls for harmony in diversity, respect for differences
Van Rompuy calls for harmony in diversity, respect for differences
Van Rompuy calls for harmony in diversity, respect for differences
Van Rompuy calls for harmony in diversity, respect for differences
