The 11th China-ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations) Senior Officials Consultation held in Shanghai Friday
reached a consensus deciding to further the strategic partnership
between the two sides.
Vice Foreign Minister Wu
Dawei, ASEAN Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong, and senior
officials or representatives with foreign ministries from?10
ASEAN member countries attended the consultations. They exchanged
views on furthering cooperation,?current cooperation situation
in East Asia and other international and regional issues of common
concern.
During the meeting, participants discussed the implementation of
the Joint Declaration for Advancing China-ASEAN Strategic
Partnership, affirming that China-ASEAN relations have made
positive progress.
The two sides agreed to maintain the sound momentum of
China-ASEAN relations, to further consolidate and expand the
strategic partnership between the two sides, to continue to
increase political trust and to promote construction of China-ASEAN
free trade area.
Both sides also agreed in principle to focus on enhancing
cooperation in transport, energy, culture, tourism and public
health, which will be five new and major cooperation fields for
China and the ASEAN.
Participants discussed working principles of the China-ASEAN
eminent persons group, and exchanged views on preparation for the
celebration of?the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue
partnership.
Both sides agreed to hold working group meeting soon for
implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South
China Sea.
China reiterated its willingness to join in the Protocol of the
Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone Treaty.
Both sides exchanged views on issues concerning the East Asia
Summit and the United Nations reforms. They agreed to enhance
support and coordination in international and regional affairs.
The Chinese side respects the ASEAN's consensus on the East Asia
Summit, and supports the ASEAN to continue its leading role in
regional cooperation. The ASEAN appreciated China's important
efforts made for safeguarding peace and stability of the Korean
Peninsula.
The Chinese side stressed the support integration process of the
ASEAN. The ASEAN side said China's peaceful development is
important for regional peace, stability and prosperity, and will
bring more development opportunities for countries in this
region.
The consultation was launched in 1995 as an important annual
political consultation mechanism for the two sides.
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2005)