Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called here on Sunday for expanding Asia-Europe
cooperation to ensure energy security and expressed his support for the
multilateral trading system to achieve common development.
While addressing the sixth summit of the Asia-Europe
Meeting (ASEM) held in the Finnish capital, Wen said "China calls on ASEM to
conduct more dialogue on energy security."
ASEM members should, through enhanced dialogue and cooperation, work to
improve the global energy market mechanism, develop traditional energies in a
rational way and rigorously 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 Chinese premier suggested 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.
On the multilateral trading system, the Chinese leader said maintaining order
in global trade is in the interests of both Asia and Europe, noting suspension
of the Doha Round of talks at the World Trade Organization is in no one's
interests.
Wen called on major developed countries to show their political will and
demonstrate greater flexibility in cutting agricultural subsidies and tariffs to
create conditions for resuming the talks.
As Asian and European economies enjoy respective strengths and complement
each other, all ASEM members should fight protectionism, properly handle trade
disputes, refrain from politicizing trade issues, improve trade and investment
environment, enhance economic cooperation and realize common development.
The biennial summit, slated for Sept. 10-11 under the theme "10 Years of
ASEM: Global Challenges-Joint Responses," gathers heads of state or government
from 13 Asian countries and all the 25 EU member states.
The ASEM cooperation was initiated in 1996 with a view of strengthening
dialogue and interaction between Asia and Europe. This year's summit is hosted
by Finland, which now holds the EU rotating presidency.
