At noon May 25, Vice-Premier Qian Qichen met with
the foreign ministers attending the ASEM meeting and had
friendly talks with them.
Qian first welcomed
all the foreign ministers to the third ASEM meeting in
Beijing. He said that the 25 foreign ministers and members
of the Foreign Relations Committee of the European
Commission attending the ASEM meeting met for the first time
in Beijing. They will have extensive and in-depth discussion
on how to strengthen Asia-Europe partnership in the new
century and further implement the cooperation initiative put
forward by the third ASEM summit. The meeting will carry
forward and expand Asia-Europe cooperation and have a
positive impact on the sound development of the world
pattern.
Qian pointed out that the values and
policies vary in Asia and Europe. However, through regular
high-level dialogue and consultation of equality and
sincerity, the two sides have enhanced mutual understanding
and trust and increased cooperation. The consolidation and
development of this equal partnership will help Asia and
Europe, as a whole, to contribute to maintaining world peace
and promoting human development and become an example for
countries in other regions.
On the current
international situation, Qian said that the general trend is
easing. However, the world we live in is far from being
peaceful. There are conflicts between nations left by
history and new cross-border issues. At present, interests
of all parties are interwoven. To solve these issues all the
countries and continents should consult with each other and
work together. If all the countries try to find solutions
with constructive attitudes and seek common ground while
shelving differences, all will benefit.
Qian
also exchanged views with the foreign ministers on
international and regional issues of common concern such as
environment and arms control. He also briefed them on the
policy on the Taiwan question. He emphasized that
“peaceful reunification” and “one country,
two systems” are the fundamental policies to solve the
Taiwan question. Some people in Taiwan have been attempting
“Taiwan independence” and got some international
support. That is very dangerous and futile and will come to
no good end.
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