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)
