Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Monday called for leaders of Asia and
Europe to strengthen political dialogue and consultation to promote
peace and development in the world, which is plagued with security
and economic problems.
Zhu made the remarks at the Fourth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
summit, which was attended by the heads of governments and senior
officials of 25 Asian and European countries as well as the
President of the European Commission.
He
described the present international situation as "undergoing
complex and profound changes with multipolarization and economic
globalization making headway amidst twists and turns.''
The September 11 attacks highlighted the intertwining of
traditional and non-traditional security threats, he said.
Terrorism continues to pose threats to mankind's security and
global economic development is beset with multiple uncertainties.
While peace remains an unresolved issue, the question of
development has stood out, Zhu said.
"Against this backdrop, strengthened Asia-Europe dialogue and
cooperation will not only serve the shared interests of Asian and
European countries but also contribute to world peace and common
development,'' he added.
As
terrorism is a common threat to peace and development in Asia,
Europe and the world at large, it is imperative for ASEM members to
work in concert in close cooperation and consultation on an equal
footing in the international community, Zhu said.
He
emphasized that all nations should abide by the purpose and
principle of the UN Charter and let the UN play a leading role in
the peaceful settlement of disputes and efforts to combat
terrorism.
"At the same time, ASEM members should step up consultation and
co-ordination on concrete measures for counter-terrorism
cooperation,'' he added.
Anti-terrorism, together with dialogue on culture and economic
cooperation, are all topics being discussed by leaders at the
meeting.
Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said at the opening
ceremony that during the summit, leaders will address, for the
first time, the new common challenges Asia and Europe face at the
beginning of the 21st century.
"In the light of the tragic events of September 11, the
bridge-building role of ASEM is even more called for,'' he
said.
Zhu disclosed at the meeting that China will host an ASEM Seminar
on Anti-terrorism at an appropriate time.
"The fight against terror requires both ways to address the
symptoms and the solutions to the root causes,'' he said, urging
ASEM members to give even greater attention to cooperation in the
area of development.
This is because development is key to the well-being of the world's
people and provides an important condition for the complete
elimination of terrorism, he explained.
The Chinese Premier also proposed to prepare a more solid ground
for deepening Asia-Europe economic and trade cooperation.
He
suggested that all countries should open their markets, remove
technical barriers, encourage business communities to play a bigger
role and strengthen high-tech cooperation.
"The two sides should step up policy co-ordination on international
trade to prevent trade protectionism of all kinds and should
endeavor to achieve good outcomes in the new round of global
multilateral trade negotiations,'' Zhu said.
(China Daily September
24, 2002)