Premier Wen stresses stable Eurasia in speech

URUMQI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday addressed a session of the China-Eurasia Expo, stressing the importance of a peaceful and stable environment in Eurasia and reiterating support for dialogue to solve disputes.

"The Eurasian continent suffered greatly from the scourge of war in history and thus values peace more than anyone else. Nothing could be achieved without a peaceful and stable environment," Wen said at the second China-Eurasia Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Urumqi of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

He voiced China's belief that regional affairs should be determined by countries and peoples of this region, and supports them in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions.

The premier noted that China maintains all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultations. China opposes outside intervention.

"We are ready to increase communication and coordination with other countries and make unremitting efforts to safeguard regional peace and stability," he vowed.

The Second China-Eurasia Expo is taking place from September 2 to 7. Fifty-five countries and regions, six international organizations, including the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, will attend the event.