At the 21st Century Forum 2005 held in Beijing on September 6, political figures from foreign countries praised the great achievements China has made through reform and opening up to the outside world, holding international cooperation, particularly that with China, should be strengthened to realize sustainable development.

Samuel Berger (National Security Adviser to former US President Bill Clinton): The relations between the United States and China have been the most important bilateral relations in the world. The wider China opens itself to the outside world, the more opportunities and prosperity Chinese people will create, which not only will benefit China, but also the United States. For the sake of common economic growth, regional peace and global stability, both sides must handle the thorny issues with a sober mind and by an effective means so as to realize the common interests in the relations between the two countries.

Joaquim Alberto Chissano (former President of the Republic of Mozambique): Cooperation is a must for the entire mankind to realize a sustainable development. In this process, cooperation must be done in terms of establishing partnership and exchange between different cultures.

Helmut Schmidt (former chancellor of Germany): For more than twenty years, China's GDP has been growing at a rate of about eight percent. Such a rapid growth makes it unparalleled by other economic powers. For better international cooperation, China should continue its efforts in improving its legal system and establishing an effective banking system.

Pierre Mauroy (former French prime minister): At the Johannesburg Summit 2002, the Chinese government cautioned people that sustainable development serves the same goal with world peace and it concerns the destiny of the mankind. The Chinese government is working vigorously to promote cooperation with other countries in science and technology, and I applaud such efforts.

By People's Daily Online