Asian countries should strengthen their coordination and cooperation to cope with the financial crisis and achieve growth, said Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Monday.

Li made the remarks during a meeting with Asian Development Bank (ADB) president Haruhiko Kuroda, saying China was ready to expand collaboration with the ADB on environmental protection, energy and infrastructure, among other areas.

The ADB, the largest organization for multi-lateral development in the Asia-Pacific area, actively safeguards financial stability in the region and promotes regional economic growth, Li said.

Kuroda thanked China for its support of the ADB's expansion and added that the bank was willing to strengthen cooperation with China.

Li briefed the ADB official on the current economic situation in China and the government's economic stimulus measures. The two sides exchanged views on the current international situation and future cooperation.

Chinese Finance Minister Xie Xuren, among others, attended the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency March 23, 2009)