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Premier's focus: East Asia harmony
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-12-12 05:21
KUALA LUMPUR: Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his hope yesterday for building a
harmonious and prosperous East Asia through stronger co-operation with other
regional countries.
He flew from Portugal to pay an official visit to Malaysia and attend the
first East Asia Summit, to be held on Wednesday.
Wen will also attend today's ninth summit between China and the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Plus China, Japan and the Republic
of Korea (ROK) Summit.
In a written statement released upon his arrival, Wen said East Asia has
become one of the most dynamic regions in the world.
"I am looking forward to an in-depth exchange of ideas with other leaders on
advancing East Asian co-operation" at the summit meetings in an attempt to
contribute to harmony and prosperity in the region, the premier said.
The first East Asia Summit links China, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand
and ROK with ASEAN's 10 member states. A Kuala Lumpur Declaration to be signed
at the East Asia Summit will articulate a collective long-term vision for
shaping the region's economy.
Wen said China and Malaysia, as friendly neighbours that share extensive
common interests, have engaged in productive co-operation in political,
economic, trade, cultural and other areas.
He added that the two countries have maintained sound co-operation in
regional and international affairs, and that developing Sino-Malaysian relations
serves the interest of the two peoples and promotes peace, stability and
prosperity in the region.
Wen is expected to meet with Malaysian Supreme Head of State Sultan Tuanku
Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and talk with Prime Minister Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi.
The Chinese premier met separately with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday evening on bilateral ties
and East Asian co-operation.
He said China highly appreciates the two countries' adherence to the
one-China policy.
Malaysia is the last leg of Wen's five-nation tour, which has also taken him
to France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Portugal.
(China Daily 12/12/2005 page1)
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