Special report: Premier Wen visits Asia, Europe

    HELSINKI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, in a keynote speech delivered at the sixth summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) here on Sunday, put forward an eight-point proposal aimed at further developing new Asia-Europe relations.

    The proposal was raised to "consolidate and further develop the new Asia-Europe partnership in the interest of global peace and prosperity," Wen told the two-day sixth ASEM summit that opened here in the day.

    Asian and European countries should deepen their cooperation to jointly meet new challenges facing the two continents, he said, adding ASEM has become a strategic platform for Asia and Europe to strengthen coordination, further cooperation and pursue common development.

    ENHANCING POLITICAL DIALOGUE, BETTER RESPONDING TO SECURITY THREATS

    Wen said ASEM members should increase consultation in multilateral mechanisms and support the leading role of the United Nations in international affairs.

    He called on countries to intensify efforts in solving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue, the Middle East crisis and other regional issues.

    On better responding to traditional security threats, Wen said Asia and Europe should intensify cooperation in practical terms infighting terrorism and proliferation, and combating transnational crimes in a joint effort to maintain global peace and security.

    DEEPENING CULTURAL EXCHANGES TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS CO-EXISTENCE

    The ASEM Declaration on Dialogue among Cultures and Civilizations adopted at the fifth ASEM Summit is of guiding importance in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogues, Wen said.

    "We ASEM members should respect diversity in our cultural traditions, values and development models, conduct candid exchanges on an equal footing and make joint progress by drawing upon each other's strengths and expanding common understanding while setting aside differences."

    Wen urged ASEM members to expand educational and cultural interactions to build an Asia-Europe partnership of peace, amity and harmony.

    INTENSIFYING FINANCIAL COOPERATION TO PROMOTE BALANCED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

    Financial security is crucial for ensuring steady economic development in Asia and Europe, said the premier, stressing that developing countries should be given a greater say in the international financial system.

    "We should work for the reform of the international monetary system, enhance regional monetary cooperation and improve the capacity to ward off risks," he said.

    High priority should be given to boosting cooperation in human resources development and capacity building in the financial sector, especially financial capacity building for developing countries, Wen said.

    EXPANDING DIALOGUE, COOPERATION TO ENSURE ENERGY SECURITY

    Energy security has become an increasingly pressing issue directly affecting global economic stability and prosperity, he said.

    "ASEM members should, through enhanced dialogue and cooperation, work to improve the global energy market mechanism, develop traditional energies in a rational way and vigorously develop renewable energies," said Wen.

    He called on ASEM members to boost the research, development and application of advanced energy technologies to enhance energy conservation and efficiency.

    The premier proposed the establishment of a proper technology transfer system to help developing countries use energy more efficiently.

    A sound political environment should be ensured for energy security and stability, he said, noting that geopolitical disputes should not block the global energy supply and energy issues should not be politicized.