Highlights of Foreign Minister Tang's Signed Article On Asia-Europe CooperationChinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan is to publish a signed article on Thursday's People's Daily, expounding his views on the cooperation between Asia and Europe. Following are the highlights of the article.-- The cooperation between Asia and Europe is of strategic importance. Asia and Europe need each other politically and economically. The cooperation between Asia and Europe is of far- reaching importance to the peace and stability of Asia and Europe and the world as well and to the development of multi-polarization in the world. The cooperation will also play an important role in the development and prosperity of the two continents. -- The cooperation has broad prospects. The two continents are economically complementary. While Asia is rich in natural and human resources, and has a huge market, Europe has abundant capital and an advanced level of science and technology. Over the past five years, Asia-Europe cooperation has withstood the test of time and shown great vitality. This has demonstrated the maturity of the cooperation system and reflected the common needs and long- term interests of the two continents. As the world economy is slowing down and uncertain factors have increased, it is still urgent and necessary to strengthen the cooperation. -- Characteristics of the cooperation. The cooperation has been based on the principle of equality, and covers a wide range of areas including economy, trade, finance, political dialogue and culture. The cooperation has also been pragmatic and effective. -- Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and China's foreign policy. The ASEM is an important part of China's foreign policy. Senior Chinese leaders including Jiang Zemin, Li Peng and Zhu Rongji have participated in meetings of the ASEM over the past years. China supports the ASEM process and has actively participated in the process. The third ASEM Foreign Minister's meeting will begin here Friday. China is willing to work with all participants to make the meeting a success. |
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