Beijing ready for Asia-Europe Meeting

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-22-2008 16:23

The Seventh Asia Europe Meeting is scheduled to open in Beijing on Friday. Political leaders and senior government officials from all 45 ASEM members will participate.

The Seventh Asia Europe Meeting is scheduled to open in Beijing on Friday.(CCTV.com)

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman says preparations are going well and host China will do everything possible to ensure a successful, productive meeting.

The Asia Europe Meeting is another high-profile international gathering for China after the Beijing Olympics. And this year is particularly significant as it's being held at a time when the global financial market is in turbulence.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao says finding solutions to deal with the global financial crisis will be one of the majors.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said, "All participants would like to make this issue the top theme and agenda of the meeting. Leaders will spend a lot of time discussing this issue We hope consensus will be reached for further cooperation between Asia and Europe, and inside Asia and Europe on this issue."

Liu Jianchao says Premier Wen Jiabao will preside over the 2-day meeting. President Hu Jintao is to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. In addition to the financial crisis, energy and environment, as well as food security, are high on the agenda. A Beijing Declaration and a Chairman's Statement will be announced at the conclusion.

Liu Jianchao said, "We are ready to play a very positive role in chairing this meeting and providing service and good facilities to participants. We will have very close consultation with participants and to work with them in a constructive way in order to get the best consensus possible."

Nearly 1800 Chinese and foreign journalists will cover the biannual event. Preparations are almost complete.

The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting will be held at a time when the prospects of the global economy are uncertain. And a big challenge for both Asian and European participants is to find concrete solutions to put things back on track.

Editor:Zhang Ning