He also exhorted the international community to implement the agreement reached at the World Summit for Sustainable Development and other meetings to promote green growth, develop a circular economy and build a resource-saving and environmentally friendly society. Hu's systematic elaboration of China's stand and position on climate change promoted the international community's understanding of China's strategy toward sustainable development. Hu highlighted the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" established in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in tackling climate change. This principle, which recognizes differences among countries in the level of economic development, historical responsibility and current per-capita emissions, forms the basis for maintaining and promoting future international cooperation, Hu said.

"Climate change is an environmental issue, but it is, in essence, a development issue," he asserted, adding that it occurred in the course of development and should be resolved in the context of sustainable development.

Hu urged developed countries to meet the emission reduction targets set in the Kyoto Protocol, provide assistance to developing countries and continue to take the lead in fulfilling obligations to reduce emissions after 2012. "We welcome the EU's recent decision to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and hope that other developed countries will undertake a similar obligation," he said.

At the outreach session, President Hu had in-depth discussions with 12 foreign leaders on a broad range of issues. They agreed to enhance political dialogue, strengthen mutually beneficial economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and coordination on international affairs. Applauding China's positive role on the international scene, the foreign leaders agreed to boost coordination with China to jointly safeguard world peace and security and promote common development.

Boosting China-Sweden Ties Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to Sweden at the invitation of Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf. During his three-day journey, Chinese President made a five-point proposal to Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt in Stockholm on June 10, aiming to boost ties between China and Sweden. With respect to political relations, Hu urged China and Sweden, an important nation in northern Europe and a major member of the EU, to increase political dialogue, deepen understanding and enhance mutual trust. Economically, he suggested that the two countries enhance cooperation in such fields as telecommunications, environmental protection, energy saving and bio-pharmacy. China welcomes investment by Swedish enterprises and appreciates Sweden for its adherence to a free trade policy and its readiness to grant China a full market economy status. Hu also suggested that steps be taken to increase bilateral cooperation in culture, education, tourism and sports and encouraged two-way exchanges between young people, local governments and the media. Regarding international affairs, Hu said, the two countries should fortify bilateral cooperation and exchange views on UN reforms, sustainable development, poverty eradication, climate change and promotion of free trade. He finally urged both sides to "increase understanding, expand consensus and narrow down differences for promoting cooperation." Hu added that China hoped the EU will play an active and constructive role in international affairs and also expected Sweden, an EU member, to continue to play its role in advancing China-EU relations. "The Swedish side attaches great importance to the visit," said Reinfeldt. He agreed with Hu on his comments on Sino-Swedish ties and believed that the two countries should strengthen high-level exchanges and consultations. Hu is the first Chinese head of state to visit Sweden in 57 years, while Sweden was the first Western country that recognized China and established a diplomatic relationship with China in 1950. Economic and trade relations between China and Sweden have also grown fast. The trade volume between the two countries reached $6.73 billion in 2006, increasing 18 percent year on year. Sweden is now China's ninth biggest trading partner in the EU and China has been Sweden's largest trade partner in Asia for four successive years. The two countries' investments in each other totaled $2.1 billion last year. Attracted by the lucrative Chinese market, every four days a small or medium-sized enterprise from Sweden enters China, and meanwhile more Chinese enterprises are also entering Sweden.