Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Tuesday called for broader cooperation between Asia and Europe as the two regions have become increasingly dependent on each other.

 

Speaking at an Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of foreign ministers in Hamburg, Yang said Asia and Europe need to "improve the effectiveness and efficiency" of dialogue.

 

"We should be innovative and endeavor to raise Asia-Europe cooperation to a higher level in the next decade," said the minister.

 

Yang proposed that Asia and Europe should further promote multilateralism and enhance mutual trust through their communications.

 

"To build consensus has become a defining feature of Asia-Europe dialogue and we should increase the exchange of views and consultation in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions to increase the influence of Asia and Europe in international affairs," he said.

 

Asia and Europe should also strengthen practical cooperation and promote balanced growth of the world economy, Yang added.

 

"We should explore concrete and effective ways to enhance comprehensive exchanges and cooperation in economy and trade, finance, science and technology, education and among our small-and medium-sized enterprises," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Asia and Europe should urge the parties concerned to act "with greater political courage and vision" to make sure that the Doha development agenda produces a balanced result, Yang said. China will continue to play a constructive role in concluding the negotiations, he added.

 

The Chinese minister also suggested Asian and European nations strengthen their partnership to ensure energy security and effectively respond to the challenge of climate change; however, the issue "should be addressed in accordance with the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' in the context of sustainable development," he said.

 

The developed countries should continue to cut their greenhouse gas emissions and honor their commitment of providing financial assistance and technology transfer to developing countries, Yang explained.

 

Asian and European countries should also respect diversity and promote dialogue among cultures and civilizations, Yang said "We should fully respect differences and diversity in ethnicity, religion, and civilization, continue to have dialogue on an equal footing, and advocate tolerance, exchange, and coexistence while opposing discrimination, exclusion, and conflict," he said.

 

The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) has 45 members, including China, Japan, South Korea, 10 ASEAN nations and 27 EU nations.

 

The 8th Asia-Europe Meeting, which opened on Monday, follows a summit in Helsinki last September where both sides vowed to expand cooperation.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2007)