WORLD> ASEM7 Beijing
Asia, Europe should 'strive toward unity'
By Li Xiaokun (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-25 08:16

French President Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday called for Asia's support for Europe's planned move to reconstruct the world economic order.

"The ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) summit has come at just the right time, as the world is experiencing an unprecedented crisis," Sarkozy told Hu during their 30-minute meeting ahead of the opening ceremony for the ASEM.

"I'm deeply convinced that Asia and Europe should join hands and adopt a method to coordinate the global economic system," he said.

At the opening ceremony, Sarkozy, as head of France, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, called on the leaders of 16 Asian countries for their support for a planned EU proposal at a Nov 15 world financial summit in the United States.

"Europe needs Asia for its rapid growth and creativity, while Asia needs Europe for its technology, experience and stability," he said.

"We have no choice but to unite."

At the opening ceremony, President Hu Jintao responded by saying China would continue with its responsible attitude toward the global task.

During his meeting with the French president, he described the recent developments between Beijing and Paris, as "a new page" for bilateral relations.

Sino-French ties were badly damaged in April when the Paris leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay was disrupted by anti-China protestors.

Despite calls from some French politicians for Sarkozy to boycott the Games, he did travel to Beijing on Aug 8.

"Mr President, your three visits to China in less than a year show the importance you attach to China-France and China-Europe relations. We highly value that," Hu told Sarkozy.

Both countries should take advantage of the 45th anniversary of bilateral relations next year to strengthen their ties, he said.

In particular, Hu said he hoped the Chinese and French governments would send more students to each other's countries to deepen understanding between peoples.

Paris has always seen Beijing as a "strategic partner" and the stance has never changed, Sarkozy told Hu.

At the opening ceremony, he said: "China achieved huge success in holding the Olympics.

"Today it has once again proved its importance on the world stage."

(China Daily 10/25/2008 page3)