Liu Qibao, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), called for closer cooperation in pursuing sustainable development at the China-Europe-Africa Energy Development Forum in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on Sept 7.

Liu, also president of the China-EU Association, said that joint efforts of the international community are needed to address increasing challenges caused by climate change. He pointed out that China, Europe and Africa share common views on promoting green growth and have great potential for cooperation in many fields.

He said that the three sides should proceed with the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, deepen exchanges and partnerships in fields such as the green economy and clean energy, and together chart a low-carbon route to development.

Co-organized by the China-EU Association and the Zhejiang Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the forum was attended by more than 100 participants from China, Europe and Africa both online and offline.

At the opening ceremony, former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern, also chair of the World Carbon Neutrality Forum, delivered video messages.