ISTANBUL

China on Saturday urged the 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, state news agency Xinhua reported.

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

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.

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.