Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday urged Asia and Europe to stay committed to building an open world economy.

Li made the appeal when addressing the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels.

The hard-won momentum of the world economic recovery still demands adhering towards the direction of open development, and promoting a more inclusive and balanced global division of labor, Li said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels [Photo:Xinhua]

The two continents should also resolutely safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system and consolidate the foundation for economic globalization and free trade, he added.

When making appropriate adjustments and improvements to the existing rules of the World Trade Organization, Li said, the basic principle of free trade should be adhered to, the interests and concerns of all sides should be fully taken into consideration. Special attention should also be paid to protecting the rights and interests of developing countries.

Efforts should be made to both promote global economic growth and prosperity and narrow down the South-North gap, the premier said.

Li is in Brussels for a working visit to Belgium and attending the ASEM summit.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and other leaders form Asian and European countries take photo at the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels on October 19, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua]