Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the upcoming Shanghai World Expo will promote exchange of human civilizations and showcase the latest achievements of civilizations around the globe.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) chats on-line with netizens at two state news portals in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 27, 2010. The two major portals, namely www.gov.cn of the central government, and www.xinhuanet.com of Xinhua News Agency, jointly interviewed Premier Wen on Saturday with chosen questions raised by netizens. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wen, in an online chat with netizens, said the Shanghai World Expo will be an opportunity to enhance friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world.

Premier Wen cited the story of Helen Keller, a famed blind American author who toured the Chicago World Expo in 1893 with the touch of her hands, to convey that world expos can give hope to the world.

Premier Wen said "the Chinese people yearned to host a world expo for more than a century. Although we have participated in 12 world expos, this one will be the first we host."

He also said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the Shanghai World Expo since the event boosts mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world.