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President Hu urges intensified efforts to weather financial crisis

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The seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Oct. 24, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)
The seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) opens at the Great
Hall of the People in Beijing Oct. 24, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

Hu Jintao said the political situation in Asia is generally stable, while regional and subregional cooperation are developing at a rapid fast pace. Continued cooperation with Europe is the best choice for a win-win solution.

Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "Enhancing cooperation among Asian and European countries has been an important part of China's diplomatic efforts. China will continue to live in harmony and seek common development with other Asian countries, advance mutually beneficial cooperation with the EU and its members, and deepen China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership."

The meeting is chaired by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. He said the global financial crisis is the top agenda for the meeting. Food security, sustainable development, cross-culture dialogue and other international and regional issues will also be discussed at the conference. He hopes the meeting can make a contribution to world peace and development.

Participants took turns stating their views on how to respond to the crisis and boost trade and investment within ASEM.

Finnish President Tarja Halonen advised conducting dialogue in an open and candid manner which helps to deepen the partnership between Europe and Asia.

The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Europe and Asia should take joint actions to deal with the unprecedented financial turmoil.

Brunei's Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah said ASEAN countries are willing to make contributions to enhance cooperation between Europe and Asia.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Europe needs Asia's fast economic growth and the Asian people's wisdom and creativity. Asia needs European technology and experience. The two sides should place enhancing cooperation before the current financial crisis.

After the ceremony, Premier Wen Jiabao presided over the first plenary session.

He called for coordinated efforts to combat the global financial crisis. Wen Jiabao said all ASEM members should first put their own houses in order and put the people's interest first. He stressed the need to rebuild market confidence as soon as possible.

Wen Jiabao also proposed strengthening inter-governmental coordination, stepping up regional financial dialogue and pushing forward reform of the international monetary and financial infrastructure.

Leaders from other countries also called for a coordinated response.

The EU leaders are hoping Asian countries will join them to create a new global monetary and financial system.

The biennial summit is the world's largest inter-governmental forum. This year's theme is "Vision and Action: Towards a Win-Win Solution."

 

Editor:Zhang Pengfei

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