SOFIA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- An international conference opened Monday in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, focusing on lessons from the victory over fascism in 1945 and ways to maintain global peace and stability.

Titled "Eighty Years After the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences -- Where Do We Go From Here?" the two-day event gathered participants from 13 countries, including Bulgaria, China, Russia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, and Türkiye.

Their discussions covered the historical truth about the victory over fascism and militarism, the future of civilization, the new world order, and the concept of a shared future for humanity as a foundation for trust, security, and global progress.

In a congratulatory message read out at the conference, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli noted that the lessons of World War II remain a warning to all humanity, and called for efforts to "safeguard the fruits of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War" and to work together for a brighter, more peaceful future.

She warned that "the threat of war looms over humanity like a Damocles' sword" and emphasized China's readiness to collaborate with all nations to strengthen global governance under the principles of the UN Charter and true multilateralism.

Zahari Zahariev, president of Bulgaria's National Association for the Belt and Road, said the conference aimed to awaken public engagement in the struggle for a secure and peaceful future for humanity.

In a video message, European Parliament member Ilia Lazarov warned of growing global instability, saying, "We are on the verge of a very serious crisis," but he expressed hope that common sense would prevail and called on the participants to preserve human civilization. ■