(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-14 07:17

Bridging effect

Since its establishment, the Boao Forum for Asia has played an important role in deepening mutual understanding and friendship among the Asian peoples and promoting interaction and cooperation among countries and businesses communities in Asia, and we applaud the growth of the Forum and the achievements it has made.

Hu Jintao

Chinese President

Clean and green

The theme of this year's Boao Forum for Asia has told us that we need global cooperation and the world needs a cleaner and greener future. Australia is committed to be the true friend of China and to continue the constructive cooperation. We will work together with the partners in the region as well as in the world to face the challenge of climate change in a bid to reach the win-win results.

Kevin Rudd

Australian Prime Minister

Feeling's mutual

Being the first head of state from Latin American nations to attend the Boao Forum for Asia, I feel greatly honored. Chile is sparing no efforts in making itself a bridge between Asia and Latin America, calling for closer cooperation between the two continents in the trend of globalization to achieve mutual developments.

Michelle Bachelet Jeria

Chilean President

Middle man

The Boao Forum for Asia will lead us to explore new and effective ways to Asia's sustainable development and we can anticipate that the 21st century is the century for Asia's rapid rise. Due to the favorable geographic location of Kazakhstan, I believe that my country's future development should look towards both Asia and Europe.

Karim Masimov

Kazakh Prime Minister

Cooperative climate

As a result of global warming my environmentally vulnerable country has been suffering the melting of permanently frozen soil and other climate problems. I propose to hold a regional climate summit to explore effective ways to solve climate headaches in Northeast Asia. I invite government heads and officials and businessmen here today to participate in the summit and join hands to solve the growing tougher environmental problems in the region.

Nambaryn Enkhbayar

Mongolian President

Sharing's caring

The forum is vital for a greater prosperous Asia. There is a need for transferring the latest technology and sharing of experiences to preserve the environment so that a durable and long-lasting process of development can be achieved. The joint global efforts could pave the way for overcoming environmental and energy issues.

Pervez Musharraf

Pakistani President

Major responsibility

Protecting the environment is part of the Asian civilization and values. We need to ensure the growth of the economy while paying more attention to the exploration of sustainable energy, clean production processes and sustainable consumption modes. It is urgent for us to take effective measures to leave a habitation-friendly planet for future generations.

Mahinda Rajapakse

Sri Lankan President

Change is coming

If our countries are to maintain a high level of economic growth, we must be open to change. Innovation is a key factor. There will be a huge demand for clean technology over the next few decades and Sweden is very much at the forefront. It is worth noting that China is spending a tremendous amount of money on research and development. When the environmental train takes off at full speed, Sweden will be on board. And so should China and other Asian nations in order to stay competitive.

Fredrik Reinfeldt

Swedish Prime Minister

Important lessons

Asia's development is an opportunity for Africa and Asia's prosperity is the hope and encouragement for Africa. The continent understands that it is necessary to cooperate with Asian nations to learn from their experiences. I believe that we have to enhance exchange and cooperation between private sectors of the two continents, which have great trade potential.

Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete

Tanzanian President

(China Daily 04/14/2008 page7)