Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Thursday expounded China's role in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), regarding the country as an active advocator and constructive participant in the cooperation.

He told Xinhua in a written interview China had always been committed to promoting the deepening and improvement of Asia-Europe cooperation mechanism. It had actively participated in the ASEM process in a spirit of seeking common points while reserving difference, expanding consensus and facilitating cooperation.

Chinese premiers have attended all ASEM summits since 1996, proposing to build up a new-type of Asia-Europe partnership and putting forward proposals to cement political consultations, deepen trade ties and cultural dialogues, he said.

As a constructive participant of Asia-Europe cooperation, China has sponsored several ministerial meetings and other important activities in the areas such as anti-terrorism, trade and investment, environment and cracking down on cross-border crimes, according to Yang.

Through the Asia-Europe cooperation platform, China has not only strengthened exchanges and cooperation with other Asian countries, but also cemented dialogue with Europe, he said.

The seventh ASEM summit, scheduled for Oct. 24-25, has drawn great attention from various parties, Yang said, adding China expects the Beijing meeting would promote further development of the forum.

The 45-member ASEM, established in 1996, is a high-level forum between governments of Asia and Europe. It aims at creating better conditions for cooperation between the two continents through strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2008)