Leaders of China and the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) called Tuesday for exchanges and cooperation to effectively
tackle the challenges posed by severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS).
In
a joint statement issued here following their special meeting on
SARS, the leaders expressed their deep concern about the mounting
threat to life and health of the people in Asia and the world as a
whole due to SARS, noting that SARS has already hadan adverse
impact on the economy and society of the countries in the
region.
The leaders called for exchanges and cooperation among the ASEAN
members, and stressed the need for concerted efforts in the region
and the rest of the world to effectively tackle the challenges
posed by the deadly disease.
In
a fresh bid to contain SARS, the leaders agreed to promote exchange
of information and share experience in respect of SARS control and
prevention, according to the statement.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of strong
leadership,political commitment, multi-sectoral collaboration and
partnershipat the national and regional levels to fight the
epidemic.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attended the special meeting along with
the leaders of the ASEAN member countries.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2003)
