Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivers a keynote speech at the inaugural session of the 4th Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue held in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on April 6, 2005.

The Chinese premier Wednesday called all Asian nations to take up the historic responsibility and renew the joint commitment to a new Asia with peace, stability, cooperation and development.

He made the remarks when addressing the 4th Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue, which was opened Wednesday in Islamabad.

He said Asia needs peace. Peace is the precondition and guarantee for well-being and prosperity, and mutual respect, dialogue on an equal footing, friendly consultation and mutual understanding are rational choice when it comes to resolving disputes and conflict, he noted.

He noted Asia needs stability. The affairs of a country should be decided by the people of that country, and the international community should do more to help the country and the region to maintain its stability and give greater attention and assistance to the economically less developed countries, he said.

"The developing countries in Asia have a pressing need to develop their economies, shake off poverty and backwardness, narrow the wealth gap and improve democracy and legal system so as to realize lasting stability at home," he said.

Wen also said Asia needs cooperation. The diversity in Asia provides ample space for inter-state cooperation, and the countries should focus on trade and economic cooperation while moving forward mutually beneficial cooperation across the board.

"We should move ahead with regional free trade arrangements step by step, properly address trade frictions and work hard to bring about a new cooperation pattern characterized by mutual complementarity, diversity and openness," the premier said.

He stressed that Asia needs development. Most Asian countries are underdeveloped, and to accelerate economic development and social progress is the strong desire of the Asian peoples and also a major task before all Asian nations.

"A truly Asian century will never materialize unless Asia develops as a whole," he said.

China seeks path of peaceful development

China seeks a path of modernization with Chinese characteristics, a path of peaceful development, said Premier Wen.

"No matter how international climate might change, the Chinese people will always be a trustworthy and reliable partner for the Asian peoples," he said.

He said China will continue to concentrate on addressing domestic concerns, and broaden and deepen economic cooperation with other Asian countries. China supports the role of Asia-based regional and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms and works hard to enhance political trust, deepen trade and economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and security dialogue with other Asian countries.

He pledged China will continue to appropriately handle the issues left over by history. China adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and steps up dialogue and consultation.

Wen also said China will continue to play a constructive role in regional affairs and to support Asia in keeping its door open to the outside world. China will continue to uphold justice, champion fairness and protect the rights and interests of developing countries, he said.

He added China wishes to join the rest of Asia in welcoming the participation of all countries and organizations in the world in Asia's development and their positive roles in this process.

Wen is paying an official visit to South Asia covering Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. Pakistan is the first leg of his tour.

By People's Daily Online