Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called for the building of an East Asia of lasting peace and stability, common development and prosperity while attending the 9th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) on Monday in Kuala Lumpur.

Wen, who arrived in the Malaysian capital on Sunday after visiting France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Portugal, suggested a "step-by-step manner" to achieve long-term development goal.

"East Asia cooperation is a long-term and accumulative process. When adopting plans for cooperation, we need to take into full account the actual conditions of all parties as well as immediate and future needs of development so as to consolidate the basis for cooperation," he said.

He urged to adopt flexible approaches and keep the process an open one, saying East Asia cooperation is a new undertaking with broad prospects.

"In enhancing the cooperation, we need to be flexible and pragmatic and create new forms of cooperation in response to changed circumstances and regional realities," he said.

Wen also noted that countries and organizations outside the region should be involved in East Asia cooperation.

On the differences that emerged in the process of cooperation, the premier said all parties should "enhance mutual trust and seek common ground while shelving differences."

"We should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, treating each other as equals, mutual understanding, mutual accommodation and reaching consensus through consultation," he said.

He also urged all sides to give due consideration to each other's concerns and strive for win-win results in East Asia, a region "of great diversity."

Source: Xinhua