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Jiang's Three-Nation Tour, APEC Proposals Successful
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan November 17 praised President Jiang Zemin's visit to Cambodia, Laos and Brunei and his participation in the eighth informal meeting of leaders of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
In an interview with Chinese reporters covering the events after the two-day APEC meeting, Tang said the three-nation visit and the APEC meeting were "successful."
Tang said that as a result of Jiang's three-nation tour, during which he met with Lao President Khamtay Siphandone, Cambodian King Morodom Sihanouk and Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, a consensus on further development of bilateral relations was reached.
The minister summarized in three points the achievements made during Jiang's week-long southeast Asian trip.
First, traditional Sino-Lao, Sino-Cambodian and Sino-Brunei relations have been improved and a new blueprint for steadier development of bilateral relations has been mapped.
Speaking highly of China's traditional friendship with the three Southeast Asian countries, Jiang noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has expanded cooperation with them in all fields, setting a good example for equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Jiang stressed that his country believes all nations, big or small, must be treated equally. China has developed and fortified ties with Laos, Cambodia, Brunei and other ASEAN member nations on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence.
Jiang gave his opinions and proposals to the leaders of the three countries for augmenting friendly bilateral cooperation.
The countries he visited reacted positively to Jiang's statements and reciprocated his ideals.
China has signed and published joint statements on bilateral cooperation with Laos and Cambodia.
Second, new venues for economic cooperation have been put forth.
Jiang and the leaders of the three countries agreed that improving economic cooperation should be made a priority, so that they may all remain competitive in the global economy.
In Laos, both parties agreed to further conduct cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture and personnel training. In Cambodia, they agreed to work closer with each other in agriculture, culture, tourism, and personnel training. China also agreed to continue cooperating on project contracts and labor and to continue providing aid to Cambodia's economic reconstruction.
In Brunei, the two parties decided to cooperate in the fields of petrochemistry, tourism and agriculture.
The signing of the investment protection treaty by China and Brunei will play a positive role in improving bilateral cooperation, Tang noted.
Third, understanding has been enhanced, Tang said.
Jiang exchanged views with his hosts on domestic, international and regional affairs of common concern.
He briefed them on China's reform strategies and on the 10th five-year plan on national economic and social development, He also praised the achievements the three countries have made in coping with the Asian financial crisis and in national development.
On international cooperation, Jiang reaffirmed that China will continue to improve collaboration with ASEAN countries at international forums such as ASEM, APEC and the United Nations.
The leaders of the three countries expressed appreciation for China's commitment in these respects and labeled China as a vital force in promoting development and peace in Asia, as well as the world.
Regarding Jiang's participation in the APEC meeting, Tang said President Jiang put forward proposals for narrowing the wealth gap between its members and for achieving common development and
prosperity.
Jiang briefed APEC on China's preparations for the ninth informal meeting of leaders of the forum, to be held in Shanghai next year, Tang said.
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