BOAO, China - Major countries should bolster mutual trust and respect, and stick to dialogue to settle disputes, China's Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said at the opening of the annual Boao Forum for Asia on Saturday (March 25), Reuters reported.

Major nations should take responsibility for maintaining peace, Zhang said, adding that China would remain a force for peace and stability in the world.

Zhang also said big nations should respect each others' core interests and concerns, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

Citing regional issues as one area where countries should turn to dialogue to settle disputes in a peaceful way, he also called for closer cooperation to address issues such as terrorism, climate change, refugees and natural disasters.

"Economic globalisation can not be realised without a peaceful environment," Zhang said, according to Xinhua.