Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Sunday called on nations to step up in-depth energy cooperation, exploration of clean energy and maintenance of a healthy energy market, to solve the current energy problems.

Xi made the remarks while attending the international energy meeting in Jeddah on Sunday. He noted that the recent dramatic surge in oil prices worldwide have posed grim challenges for both oil producing and consuming countries.  

Striking a balance between world energy demand and supply and maintaining world energy security is an urgent task for all nations since the energy issue is a global concern, said the Chinese leader.

Xi called on all oil producing and consuming countries to negotiate and cooperate in in-depth energy exploration to meet the normal need for development.

He also proposed to all nations to enhance the development, research and spreading of advanced energy technologies, and to build a global supply system of clean, economical and safe energy.

In addition, Xi also called for the establishment of a favorable international environment for energy development so as to create a stable pattern of world energy production, transportation, and consumption.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2008)