UPDATE - China urges G20 to take lead in upholding multilateralism

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS FROM CHINESE PRIME MINISTER; REVISES DECK

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Saturday urged G20 countries to take the lead in upholding multilateralism, enhance the voice of developing countries, and build a fairer and more open international economic and trade order.

Speaking at a G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Premier Li Qiang urged members to make concerted efforts "to properly handle disputes and frictions through consultation on the basis of equality when facing differences and contradictions," said a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

Li emphasized the importance of seeking common ground while preserving differences, actively pursuing the broadest common interests, and properly addressing each other's reasonable concerns.

"Currently, the world economy is facing enormous challenges again, as unilateralism and protectionism rise, and various trade restrictions and confrontations increase," Li said.

"Divergent interests among parties and shortcomings in global cooperation mechanisms have become prominent obstacles to international solidarity," he added.

The Chinese premier also called on the forum to remain committed to solidarity, firmly uphold free trade, and build an open world economy amid a sluggish global economic recovery.

In the face of governance challenges, the members must keep pace with the times, take the lead in upholding multilateralism, and accelerate reforms to institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization, he said. They must enhance the voice of developing countries and build a fairer, more open international economic and trade order, he added.

Li also expressed support for reducing the debts of developing countries.