Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Colleagues,
I am delighted to join you here today in
The world today is moving toward multi-polarity amidst twists and turns, and economic globalization is gathering momentum. To pursue development and cooperation in a peaceful environment is the common desire of mankind. However, instability and discord still exist in the world. Conflicts in some regions keep flaring up, traditional and non-traditional security threats are closely connected, the global economic development remains imbalanced, and there is mounting pressure on resources and environment. In this new international environment,
ASEM, as the most important platform of dialogue and exchanges between
After two rounds of expansion, ASEM now has 45 partners, which include major countries in northeast
1. Promote multilateralism and enhance political dialogue and mutual trust. Multilateral cooperation has proved an effective way of meeting challenges commonly faced by mankind, and a major means of addressing international disputes. For multilateral cooperation to work, the key is to forge partnership based on equality, mutual trust and cooperation and achieve peace and security through dialogue and consultation. To build consensus through dialogue has become a defining feature of Asia-Europe political dialogue. We should increase exchange of views and consultation in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions to increase the influence of
2. Strengthen practical cooperation and promote balanced growth of the world economy. Both
Since this year, the parties concerned have demonstrated more flexibility on the Doha Round of WTO negotiations, leading to formal and full resumption of the negotiations.
3. Strengthen partnership to ensure energy security and effectively respond to the challenge of climate change. International energy cooperation is an important means for ensuring overall energy security. In this area, ASEM partners should promote mutually beneficial cooperation, diversified energy development and coordination to ensure energy supply. Climate change is, in the final analysis, a development issue. As such, it should be addressed in accordance with the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" in the context of sustainable development. Developed countries have a quite long history of industrialization and emissions. They have attained a high level of development, and they have strong economies and advanced, clean and efficient energy technologies. They should continue to cut their greenhouse gas emissions and honor their commitment of providing financial assistance and technology transfer to developing countries.
4. Respect diversity and promote dialogues among cultures and civilizations. Mutual assimilation of different cultures and coexistence of different religions have been an integral part of human progress. ASEM partners belong to different civilizations, both East and West, and the main religions and faiths in the world. Dialogue among cultures and civilizations has in recent years become a very active area of ASEM. We should fully respect differences and diversity in ethnicity, religion and civilization, continue to have dialogue on an equal footing, and advocate tolerance, exchange, dialogue and coexistence and oppose discrimination, exclusion, confrontation and conflict.
In the past decade since its founding, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) has made important contribution to promoting social and cultural exchanges between
Mr. Chairman,
At this foreign ministers' meeting, we will build on past achievements to promote future progress. At the Helsinki Summit last year, our leaders took stock of the progress of ASEM in the past decade, identified priorities in Asia-Europe dialogue and cooperation in the coming years, approved a number of initiatives and adopted the recommendation on improving the working methods. We need to take steps to implement the decision made at the