Premier Li urges Asia, Europe to boost connectivity

World
Europe

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called on Asian and European countries to boost connectivity.

Speaking at the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Brussels, Li called for promoting "hard connectivity" of infrastructure to build networks of transportation, industries, and logistics across Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, he said, involved countries should also enhance "soft connectivity" of systems, policies, rules and standards in order to stimulate elements such as capital, technology, services and data.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addresses the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 19, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Li also called for efforts to strengthen aligning the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with development strategies of various countries to realize common development and prosperity.

In addition, the Chinese premier called on Asian and European countries to uphold the leading role of multilateralism. He said Asian and European countries must strengthen consultation and cooperation, firmly uphold the rules-based international order, the authority of the United Nations, and the purposes and principles of its charter.

Noting that Asia and Europe are two stabilizing forces of the world as well as the world's two major economic blocs, Li said Asian and European countries, faced with new circumstances and challenges, should rise up to their responsibilities to maintain world peace while boosting development and prosperity.

In addition, Li urged Asia and Europe to stay committed to building an open world economy.

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

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.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency