The 28th general assembly of the International Council for Science (ICSU) opened in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Tuesday, Xinhua News Agency reported today.

State Councilor Chen Zhili extended the government's welcome and congratulations to the ICSU at the opening ceremony, saying China has formed a complete system of scientific research and technical exploration after prolonged endeavors with national mid and long term development programs.

More than 230 scientists from over sixty countries attended to discuss scientific and technological development in the context of international cooperation, including all 14 members of the ICSU's executive board.

China will continue to increase international scientific cooperation and participate in global scientific projects, said Chen, adding that it would also make a great effort to acquire core techniques in some crucial fields.

Cheng Donghong, from the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), said the council would discuss its own development strategy for international scientific cooperation during the conference.

Cheng said her association would jointly organize a scientific forum in Shanghai for improving public scientific awareness.

The ICSU, headquartered in Paris, is the largest non-governmental organization in world's scientific community and convenes its general assembly every three years. China hosted the 22th event in Beijing in 1998.

The ICSU's mission is to strengthen international science for the benefit of society.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2005)