To realize sustainable energy development needs the common efforts of countries around the world, a senior Chinese official said in Rome Tuesday.

Sun Qin, vice director general of the state energy bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission, made the remarks while addressing the 11th International Energy Forum.

Most of the countries around the world could not safeguard energy security without international cooperation, as it is an international issue, said Sun, who leads a Chinese delegation attending the forum.

In order to do this, developed countries, which have already accomplished industrialization, should shoulder more responsibilities as they were and still are the major consumers of global energy and resources, Sun said.

Developed countries should lead the way in energy conservation to reduce the per capita energy consumption and increase its input in researching and developing advanced energy-saving technologies, as well as helping developing countries to make more efficient use of energy, Sun said.

China has attached great importance to the issue and made environmental protection an important part of its energy policy, Sun said, adding that the Chinese government is willing to join hands with other countries to make a contribution to the sustainable development of energy.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2008)