A senior official of the Communist Party of China called for the protection of diversity in world culture and civilization here Wednesday.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the call while meeting with foreign delegates attending the Conference on Cultures and Civilizations of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Beijing.

Li said it was significant that 26 ASEM members have sent representatives here to discuss diversity and unification of the world culture and civilization.

He said the diversity of human culture needed to be protected to help maintain world civilization.

Strengthening dialogues and exchanges on cultural diversity and seeking ways for common prosperity conformed to the purposes and principles of the ASEM and is conducive to world peace and progress, he said.

Li said that China will continue to expand exchanges with foreign countries to learn from different cultures, and is ready to work with the rest of the world to safeguard culture and civilization. He also hoped the ASEM members would cooperate with China in this regard.

The foreign guests spoke highly of the conference and the efforts China has made to safeguard cultural diversity.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2003)