China believes the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) will strengthen the influence of Asia and Europe in international affairs, said Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing on Thursday.

Regional cooperation mechanisms played an increasingly important role in shaping consensus, maintaining peace and promoting common development, he said in a written reply to Xinhua questions.

China believed the ASEM would strengthen political coordination, increase the influence of Asia and Europe in international affairs, make more effective channels in economic cooperation and expand non-governmental exchanges, Yang said.

He said China expected ASEM to gradually enhance cooperation efficiency and improve mechanisms to better conform to the international situation and contribute to world peace and development.

The seventh ASEM summit will be held in Beijing on Oct. 24 and 25. At present, most foreign members had confirmed their attendance.

The 45-member ASEM, established in 1996, is a high-level forum between governments of Asia and Europe. It aims at creating better conditions for cooperation between the two continents through strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2008)