China, Cambodia Agree on Further CooperationChina and Cambodia agreed November 13 that they will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including increasing political and economic exchanges and coordinating efforts in the fight against cross-border crimes like drug-trafficking.The joint statement, which was signed in Phnom Penh by the two countries, stressed that "China-Cambodia relations are based on the mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, independence, culture and traditions, mutual trust and mutual support." Enjoying the support of the two peoples, this age-old friendship is holding out great vitality and tremendous potential of growth, said the statement. The statement was signed here by Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng during Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit. The two sides affirmed that the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, the principles set forth in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the universally recognized principles of international law should be the basic norms guiding their bilateral relations. While maintaining the frequent exchange of visits and contacts between top leaders of the two countries, "the two sides also agreed to further strengthen the friendly exchanges and cooperation between their governmental institutions, parliaments, political parties, armed forces and non-governmental organizations." In the statement, the two sides agreed to strengthen their annual diplomatic consultation mechanism and the exchanges between the two foreign ministries at various levels to exchange views on the bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides stressed the need to step up cooperation at such international forums as ASEAN, East Asia cooperation mechanism and the UN as well as cooperation in the joint socio-economic development of the Greater Mekong sub-region. To tighten the economic and trade ties to which great importance was attached by both China and Cambodia, "the two sides agreed to set up a joint economic and trade commission at an appropriate time." The statement said that the two sides will further expand tourism exchanges and cooperation. China agreed to designate Cambodia as a destination for outbound Chinese tourists. The two sides will finalize through discussion concrete measures for implementation with view to facilitating the sound development of tourism of the two sides. Cambodia reaffirmed that it will continue to adhere to the One-China policy and recognize the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and Taiwan an inalienable part of Chinese territory. And it will continue to support China's cause of peaceful reunification. Meanwhile, China reaffirmed that it respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The two sides also shared a view that the affairs of a country should be handled by its own people, no country should be allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of any other sovereign state on whatever excuses. The two sides agreed to closely cooperate with each other in cracking down the cross-border organized crimes, drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal immigration and any other criminal activities committed by nationals of one side in the territory of the other in accordance with the bilateral treaty of extradition and other relevant international conventions. The two sides reaffirmed that all countries should have the rights to choose their own political and social system and to demand the establishment of a fair and equitable new international political and economic order to ensure world peace and stability, said the statement. |
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