In a speech delivered at École polytechnique in Paris on Tuesday, visiting Premier Wen Jiabao called for respect for different civilizations in efforts to build a harmonious world, and vowed that the policy of reform and opening up will continue in China's modernization drive.

"Every nation has her soul in culture -- the roots on which she depends for survival and progress. For either the Chinese nation or the French nation, the cultures that we inherit and carry forward are the roots of the nation and soul of the state," said Wen.

On the concept of he, the Chinese word meaning harmony or peace, Wen said it holds the key to the coexistence and development of different civilizations -- peace among states, good neighborliness among individuals and harmony between humanity and nature.

Cultural diversity is an objective reality in this world and only when it is respected will civilizations progress, he said.

"On this planet where we live, there are more than 6 billion people, over 200 countries, more than 2,500 ethnic groups, over 6,000 languages and many religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Taoism. Thanks to the interdependence and intercommunion of different civilizations, we are now living in a colorful world," he said.

"To deliver an authentic harmony among individuals, we must increase productivity and eradicate poverty to bring prosperity to all. We must achieve social equity and justice, adhere to the principle of equality of all before the law, defend and safeguard human rights," he said.

"We must encourage tolerance and respect among people of different ethnic groups and faiths, be friendly with others and treat neighbors as partners," he said.

"The survival of humanity depends on resources and environment...It is in the common interests of humanity to take care of and do good to Nature," he said.

French Education Minister Gilles de Robien and École polytechnique's president Xavier Michel said exchanges and cooperation with China are a priority for French education.

Wen arrived in France on Sunday for a four-day official visit, the first leg of his five-nation European-Asian tour, which will also take him to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Portugal and Malaysia.

The premier will also attend the 9th Summit between China and ASEAN and the 1st East Asian Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2005)