Danish Cultural Minister Brian Mikkelsen said in Beijing Wednesday that considering globalization, the east and the west should be open-minded and show mutual respect, strengthen their cultural exchanges and protect cultural diversity.

Addressing the Conference on Cultures and Civilizations of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) that opened in the morning, Mikkelsen said the world is turning into a melting pot, where different people, thoughts and cultures are interacting with each other through different ways.

Globalization helps eradicate barriers blocking personnel, goods and information exchanges, but it also poses challenges to the values and traditional cultures of different nations and regions. He warned that radical counter-globalization moves might evolve into violence, racism or other negative actions or ideology.

He believed that like "yin" and "yang", globalization and cultural diversity can never exist by themselves and they can live together well in peace if people show liberty, leniency and democracy.

The Danish minister urged governments to give enough importance to the protection of their own cultural diversity and increase financial support, warning that otherwise they will have a hard time in safeguarding and passing down their own cultures.

Only with an open mind and an attitude of mutual respect can the cultural cooperation and exchanges be furthered between Asia and Europe, he said, calling for efforts from individuals, religions, cultures, nations and continents as well.

Denmark will host a cultural festival featuring an "Asian image" this year, which can serve as a model in the area, the minister said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2003)