On September 7, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with several former foreign leaders who are in China to attend the two-day 21st Century Forum. The foreign guests include former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former European Commission President Romano Prodi, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, former Russian Prime Minister Evgeni Primakov, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. Premier Wen exchanged views with them on a wide range of topics in a candid and friendly manner.

Wen said that the global financial crisis has a profound impact on the development of all nations and the world pattern, and it also changes people’s ways of thinking and behavior. Wen said it has become an irresistible trend to work together in dealing with global issues through consultations. He said mankind should be confident of their success in achieving balanced, harmonious and sustainable development.

China still faces tremendously complicated issues and severe challenges after realizing great achievements, Wen said. He noted China will adhere to the policy of reform and opening up, cooperation of mutual benefit and peaceful development, which will not only be China's strategic choice, but also its solemn commitment to the world. Wen appealed for understanding, support and help from the international community, noting China will shoulder its responsibility and contribute more to the world.

Solving global issues required more understanding and trust between countries, more efficient cooperation, and development of science and technology, the former foreign leaders said. They noted the international community paid close attention to China's development and its role in the world. The former leaders also voiced the international community's willingness to cement all-round cooperation with China so as to achieve common development.

Wang Gang, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, CPPCC National Committee vice chairman and chairman of the organizing committee of the 2010 conference of the 21st Century Forum, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Zhao Qizheng, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and secretary general of the conference’s organizing committee, and other officials attended the meeting.