I believe that it is important for the international community to prioritize the following four issues at G20 summits this year: first, meet the targets for reforming international financial institutions on schedule; second, facilitate the recovery and growth of the world economy, addressing in particular imbalances in global economic development; third, continue to increase coordination on macroeconomic policies and hold discussions on exit strategy; and fourth, oppose trade protectionism in various forms and work together to facilitate a comprehensive and balanced conclusion to the Doha round negotiations.

This year is a year for the G20 to push forward its institutional development. We will work with the other parties concerned to make the G20 more democratic, transparent, fair and effective and enable it to play a bigger and more effective role in global economic governance.

Climate change negotiations

It is a view widely held in the international community, not just in China, that important and positive outcomes were achieved at the Copenhagen conference. At the same time, much work remains to be done. China will work actively with other countries and organizations to meet the climate challenge in accordance with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, the Bali Roadmap and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, so that the efforts of all countries in the world in meeting the climate challenge will yield more results this year. We hope that the Mexico conference will produce important and positive outcomes.

Iranian nuclear issue

On the Iranian nuclear issue, let me stress that it is our consistent position to uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and peace and stability in the relevant region. We have always called for a peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through consultation and negotiation, and we have been playing an active part to that end. There are some difficulties surrounding efforts to settle the Iranian nuclear issue at present, but we don't think that diplomatic efforts have been exhausted. Pressure and sanctions cannot solve this issue in a fundamental way.

We hope that all parties concerned will stick to the overall objective of seeking a diplomatic solution to the issues through negotiation and give full play to their political wisdom to find a comprehensive, reasonable and fair solution.

Afghanistan and Pakistan

I believe the Afghan Government and people have made important headway in promoting the peace and reconstruction process in their country. At the same time, it is true that Afghanistan is facing a series of domestic problems such as drug trafficking and terrorism. China supports the Afghan Government in its efforts to promote peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. Within our capabilities, we have provided condition-free assistance of various types to Afghanistan. For example, we have helped Afghanistan to build hospitals and water conservancy projects. We have also trained professionals in various fields for Afghanistan.

Not long ago, representatives of the Chinese Government attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)'s Moscow international conference on the issue of Afghanistan. I attended relevant international conferences on Afghanistan in Turkey and London. I should point out that during the conferences, I had the honour of having a conversation with President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan foreign minister and security adviser. They all spoke highly of China's position on Afghanistan and China's assistance to their country.

Representatives of many countries at the conferences were of the view that military means do not offer a fundamental solution to the Afghanistan issue. Many countries including China shared the view that the international community should give full support to efforts made by the Afghan Government and people.

I believe the SCO and its member states will continue to follow the situation in Afghanistan. There are still some uncertainties in the situation at present. I believe the SCO and its member states will continue to support efforts made by the Afghan Government and people. The UN Security Council plays an important role in addressing the Afghanistan issue. We hope the UN Security Council will continue to play its constructive role in this regard.

I believe the government of Pakistan has effective control over the situation in the country. China and Pakistan will continue to expand practical cooperation in various fields on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and China will continue to support the stability, development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Asia-Pacific regional cooperation

China has actively promoted and taken full part in Asia-Pacific regional cooperation. We have put forward many initiatives and proposals in this regard and made our due contribution to regional peace, stability and development. Today, regional cooperation in this part of the world is growing with multiple mechanisms, on various levels and at different speeds. China is of the view that all parties should adopt an open and inclusive approach. Each mechanism should have its own focus, and different mechanisms should complement and reinforce each other. We are ready to join discussions—with an open and positive attitude—on any initiative that will contribute to regional integration, political mutual trust, practical cooperation and common development.

In the meantime I want to point out that China has always maintained that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should play a leading role in East Asian regional cooperation, and has supported ASEAN's leadership role. At the same time we welcome constructive ideas from, and active efforts by, other parties in promoting regional integration. That is also China's approach. n