Special Report: The 7th Asia-Europe Meeting
BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on
Sunday called for more cooperation between Asian and European nations to promote
sustainable development.
Wen made the remarks when addressing the
behind-the-door meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to discuss issues
concerning the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG), climate
change, energy security and social harmony.
Wen said all participants have agreed to take
concrete actions to promote realization of the MDG all over the world as
scheduled.
To tackle the climate change issue, the 45 ASEM
members agreed to observe the principles of common but differentiated
responsibilities, to actively carry out the Bali Road Map, and to push the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties
(COP15) in Copenhagen in 2009 to achieve positive fruits.
In energy areas, Wen said the ASEM members would
ensure energy security, improve energy structure, speed up energy efficiency,
advocate energy saving, and strengthen financing and technological support to
developing nations.
As to social harmony, Wen called for adhering to the
"people-centered" approach, and safeguarding social justice through the efforts
of improving people's livelihood.
The Asian and European nations should increase
cooperation in education, employment, social security system, ageing of the
population, public healthy, and immigration areas, in a bid to promote the
harmonious development of society, the premier noted.
The seventh ASEM summit opened Friday afternoon with
the attendance of the leaders and representatives from 45 Asian and European
nations and organizations.
