BRUSSELS — Premier Li Keqiang urged Asia and Europe to stay committed to building an open world economy on Oct 19.

Premier Li made the appeal when addressing the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels.

The hard-won momentum of the world economic recovery still demands adhering toward the direction of open development, and promoting a more inclusive and balanced global division of labor, Premier Li said.

The two continents should also resolutely safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system and consolidate the foundation for economic globalization and free trade, he added.

When making appropriate adjustments and improvements to the existing rules of the World Trade Organization, Premier Li said, the basic principle of free trade should be adhered to, the interests and concerns of all sides should be fully taken into consideration. Special attention should also be paid to protecting the rights and interests of developing countries.

Efforts should be made to both promote global economic growth and prosperity and narrow down the South-North gap, the Premier said.

Premier Li is in Brussels for a working visit to Belgium and attending the ASEM summit.