TEHRAN In a message to the representatives of Asia and Pacific countries in a conference inaugurated in Tehran on Sunday on the occasion of the International Cooperatives Day, President Mohammad Khatami expressed concern over the emergence of new technological, economic and social challenges, adding that world countries should work in cooperative sector to face those challenges.

He also put emphasis on the role of cooperation and assistance as the keys to campaign against existing social, cultural and moral crises, IRNA reported.

In part of his message, Khatami said that the world is faced with many challenges and concerns, which have their roots in technologies and economic structures, as well as in emergence of new social movements.

He added that under such a new prospect, depending on cooperative assistance and assisting cooperative interests are among necessities which could prove effective in sorting out these challenges.

Khatami also said that only those strategies that are based on justice, free will and cooperation, might be effective in meeting basic human needs, adding that such strategies should be designed in line with the basic demands of human beings and their relations and not aim to address the interests of greedy owners of wealth and power.

Further in the message, Khatami said that should the two elements of knowledge and cooperatives are properly amalgamated, the result would be capability which will make many existing challenges on the way of development diminish.

Also, President of the International Cooperatives Association (ICA) Roberto Rodriguez said here Sunday that cooperatives is the basis for reinvigoration of democracy and peace.

Meanwhile, Cooperative Minister Morteza Haji said here on Sunday that reducing unemployment, creating jobs particularly for those with university degrees, reducing poverty and promoting social justice are among major concerns of people, officials as well as some international organizations in the 21st century.