On the evening of May 24, Foreign Minister Tang
Jiaxuan met with foreign ministers attending the third ASEM.
Tang extended welcome to the foreign ministers on behalf of
the Chinese government and briefed them on the agenda and
schedule of the meeting. Tang said that since the
establishment of ASEM, all the parties have conducted
diversified dialogue and exchanges on the basis of mutual
respect, equality and mutual benefit which has helped to
deepen mutual understanding and expand cooperation, thus
making important contributions to the friendship between
Asian and European countries. Tang hoped that this ASEM
meeting would focus on the theme of “enhancing
Asia-Europe partnership in the new century” and have
an in-depth discussion on political dialogue, economic
cooperation and trade, cultural exchanges and other areas
with the aim to push the further development of Asia-Europe
cooperation. The foreign ministers present expressed thanks
to the Chinese side for the meticulous arrangements for the
ASEM meeting and the belief that through joint efforts, the
meeting will be a complete success.
The foreign
ministers had political dialogue after the meeting with
Tang. They had an in-depth exchange of views and reached
broad consensus on the current international situation,
political and security issues in Asia and Europe, how to
strengthen the role of the UN, disarmament and arms control,
the Korean Peninsula and other issues.
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