Sun Jiazheng, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, addressed the first summit of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) convened on October 16-17 in Kuwait as the Special Representative of President Hu Jintao.

Sun said that current international and regional development is complex and fluid, while Asia has generally maintained peace and stability. Promoting good neighborly relations, dialogue, cooperation and common development features prominently in the policies adopted by countries in the region.

Asia is now an important engine driving global growth and a key player in global affairs. Asian countries should discuss the goal for pan-Asian cooperation, chart the course for future cooperation, and contribute to the development of Asia and the whole world. He proposed taking three steps to reach this goal. First, foster Asian awareness to build a harmonious Asia. The ACD should conduct dialogues among different religions, civilizations and cultural exchanges in various forms through multiple channels. Second, make cooperation more efficient to accelerate Asia's development. It is important to integrate resources and focus on carrying out result-oriented cooperation in areas of common interest of developing countries; namely, food security, energy security, connectivity, finance, education and poverty alleviation. Third, build Asian consensus to increase Asia's influence.

Asian countries should build consensus and express the views of Asia on major issues such as global economic governance, reform of the international financial system, climate change, Millennium Development Goals, as well as food and energy security.

Sun also talked about China's current economic situation and China's policy of peaceful development. He said that the more progress China makes in development and the closer its links with other parts of Asia and the world become, the more important it is to have a stable regional environment and a peaceful international environment.

"We are deeply aware of the importance of development and the value of peace. And this makes us all the more determined to pursue peaceful development, follow the win-win strategy of opening-up, and implement the policy of fostering friendship and partnership with neighbors," he said.

"China will always be a staunch force for upholding peace and stability in both Asia and the world. On the basis of firmly upholding China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, we are committed to resolving disputes with the relevant countries through friendly consultation and in a peaceful way. China opposes hegemonism and will never seek hegemony. China will always be a trustworthy and reliable cooperation partner of the other Asian people," he continued.

The meeting, presided over by Amir Al-Sabah (head of state of Kuwait), was attended by ACD heads of state, heads of government and heads of delegations of the member states. They held discussions and reached broad consensus on deepening pan-Asian cooperation and enhancing Asia's influence. The meeting issued the Communiqué of the First ACD Summit. Ambassador Chen Mingming of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Cui Jianchun attended the meeting and related events.

The ACD, initiated by Thailand in 2002, now has 32 member states and is the only platform for inter-governmental dialogue and cooperation covering all of Asia. Since its inception, the ACD has played a positive role in promoting mutual understanding, building Asian awareness and boosting unity among Asian countries.