Chinese, Singapore Foreign Ministers Hold TalksForeign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Singapore counterpart S. Jayakumar held talks in Singapore Monday to explore ways to further enhance the existing satisfactory goodwill and cooperative relations between China and Singapore.During the talks, the two ministers expressed their satisfaction over the smooth development and marked achievements in the Sino-Singapore relations since the two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1990. Both ministers held that it is necessary for their countries to strengthen exchange of views, promote coordination and enhance cooperation in various fields under the backdrop of speedy development in world economy and rapid changes in international and regional situation. With a view to carrying out the joint statement on bilateral cooperation between China and Singapore, Tang suggested that both sides continue the active exchange of high-level visits, enhance economic cooperation for mutual benefits and expand cooperation in the fields of science and technology, culture, education and legal affairs etc.. Jayakumar totally agreed with Tang's suggestion and emphasized that cooperation in the above-said areas is important for further boosting relations between the two countries. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination between their ministries in their work and discussed plans and arrangements to observe the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, which falls on October 3. Tang briefed Jayakumar on the principled stand of the Chinese government on the Taiwan issue and Jayakumar reaffirmed that Singapore will stick to "One China" policy. The two ministers gave a positive appraisal of the meetings held in Bangkok last week involving ASEAN and its dialogue partners and had a profound exchange of views on regional situation, relations between ASEAN and China, the upcoming Asia- Europe conference and other international and regional issues of common concern. Tang also called on Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Tang Jiaxuan arrived here Sunday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Jayakumar and this is his first official visit to the city state in the capacity of Chinese Foreign Minister. Tang will leave for home on Tuesday morning. |
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