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Third ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting Closes
The Third ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Ministers' Meeting closed Friday afternoon.
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji attended the closing ceremony and delivered a speech.
Extending congratulations on the success of the meeting, Zhu noted that this is the first gathering of Asian and European foreign ministers in the new century and also a good beginning for Asia-Europe cooperation in the new century, which, in Zhu's words, is of significance for the further development of Asia-Europe cooperation.
Zhu noted that Asia and Europe have no conflicts over fundamental interests, share identical or similar views on many major international issues, and enjoy high complementarity in the economic and trade fields.
The wide-ranging cooperation between the two sides is not only conducive to furthering the development of countries in both Asia and Europe, but also will benefit the building of a more balanced pattern for international relations and a world political and economic order, said Zhu.
Both sides should strengthen consultations on major international and regional issues and United Nations affairs, and enhance cooperation and coordination in such fields as economy, trade, finance, science, technology, environmental protection, culture, education and justice, Zhu stressed.
Zhu also elaborated on the Chinese government's views on and measures for China's domestic economic construction and its further reform and opening-up.
He stated that China will continue to expand its domestic demand, follow a pro-active fiscal policy and a sound currency policy, and push forward the strategic adjustment of its economic structure.
China will also carry out such strategies as the development of its western areas, revitalizing the country with science and education and a sustained development, and push for a sustained and rapid development of the national economy, continued Zhu.
Meanwhile, China will further the reform and opening-up, and actively participate in international economic cooperation and competition, added Zhu.
Pointing out that China will take an active part in the process of Asia-Europe cooperation, Zhu said that the Chinese government will join all parties in pushing forward the further progress of Asia-Europe cooperation, and making more contributions to safeguarding world peace, stability and prosperity and promoting human development and progress.
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