Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Monday called for leaders of Asia and Europe to strengthen political dialogue and consultation to promote peace and development in the world, which is plagued with security and economic problems.

Zhu made the remarks at the Fourth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit, which was attended by the heads of governments and senior officials of 25 Asian and European countries as well as the President of the European Commission.

He described the present international situation as "undergoing complex and profound changes with multipolarization and economic globalization making headway amidst twists and turns.''

The September 11 attacks highlighted the intertwining of traditional and non-traditional security threats, he said.

Terrorism continues to pose threats to mankind's security and global economic development is beset with multiple uncertainties. While peace remains an unresolved issue, the question of development has stood out, Zhu said.

"Against this backdrop, strengthened Asia-Europe dialogue and cooperation will not only serve the shared interests of Asian and European countries but also contribute to world peace and common development,'' he added.

As terrorism is a common threat to peace and development in Asia, Europe and the world at large, it is imperative for ASEM members to work in concert in close cooperation and consultation on an equal footing in the international community, Zhu said.

He emphasized that all nations should abide by the purpose and principle of the UN Charter and let the UN play a leading role in the peaceful settlement of disputes and efforts to combat terrorism.

"At the same time, ASEM members should step up consultation and co-ordination on concrete measures for counter-terrorism cooperation,'' he added.

Anti-terrorism, together with dialogue on culture and economic cooperation, are all topics being discussed by leaders at the meeting.

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said at the opening ceremony that during the summit, leaders will address, for the first time, the new common challenges Asia and Europe face at the beginning of the 21st century.

"In the light of the tragic events of September 11, the bridge-building role of ASEM is even more called for,'' he said.

Zhu disclosed at the meeting that China will host an ASEM Seminar on Anti-terrorism at an appropriate time.

"The fight against terror requires both ways to address the symptoms and the solutions to the root causes,'' he said, urging ASEM members to give even greater attention to cooperation in the area of development.

This is because development is key to the well-being of the world's people and provides an important condition for the complete elimination of terrorism, he explained.

The Chinese Premier also proposed to prepare a more solid ground for deepening Asia-Europe economic and trade cooperation.

He suggested that all countries should open their markets, remove technical barriers, encourage business communities to play a bigger role and strengthen high-tech cooperation.

"The two sides should step up policy co-ordination on international trade to prevent trade protectionism of all kinds and should endeavor to achieve good outcomes in the new round of global multilateral trade negotiations,'' Zhu said.

(China Daily September 24, 2002)