China values, supports and stands ready to enhance the cooperation between Asia and the Middle East, Ma Zhengang, president of China Institute of International Studies, said on Wednesday in Singapore.

Addressing the first Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED), Ma said that the increasing interdependence among countries in this globalized world brought forth rare historic opportunities for the two regions.

"The two regions should share opportunities and meet challenges through common efforts and enhanced cooperation," said Ma.

Ma suggested the two regions respect and support one another politically, and conduct practical economic cooperation to mutual benefit and for win-win results.

He also urged Asia and the Middle East to learn from each other culturally for common progress, as well as conduct dialogue and consultation on security issues based on equality and mutual trust.

"To strengthen the cooperation between the Asian and Middle East countries for common development serves the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two regions and contributes to world peace, development and prosperity," Ma concluded.

Under the theme of "common interests and common challenges," the two-day AMED, officially opened on Tuesday, hopes to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between the two regions, as well as strengthen cooperation in different areas.

More than 200 representatives from about 40 countries and regions in Asia and the Middle East are invited to pool their viewpoints on political, security, economic, social, educational, scientific, cultural and media issues facing the two regions.

Advocated by Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, the AMED will be held once every two years with the venue alternating between Asia and the Middle East. Egypt, Thailand and Saudi Arabia have offered to host the next three dialogues respectively.

Source: Xinhua