Chinese vice premier's three-nation tour in South Pacific fruitful: vice FM

The vice foreign minister on Thursday hailed Vice Premier Li Keqiang's official visit to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea as "very fruitful," calling it a major diplomatic activity of China with the South Pacific region.

Li's official visit to the three countries from Oct. 29 to Nov.5 was of great significance to the development of friendly cooperative relations between China and the three nations, He Yafei said.

CONSOLIDATING POLITICAL BASIS OF BILATERAL TIES

He said that, during the visit, Li met with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and they reached important consensus on the development of China-Australia ties.

Both sides agreed to view their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective because the importance of China-Australia cooperation is becoming increasingly prominent.

They also agreed to respect and take into full consideration the core interests and major concerns of each country, properly handle sensitive issues and strive to promote sound, steady growth of bilateral relations, He said.

Australia reiterated its respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a joint statement was released by China and Australia to strengthen their practical cooperation for mutual benefits.

During his visit to New Zealand, Li met with Prime Minister John Key and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English. They stressed the strategic significance of developing bilateral ties in an active and comprehensive manner and strengthening pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

The New Zealand leaders reiterated that they respected China's stance on issues concerning China's core interests such as Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Li held talks with Governor General Paulias Matane, Prime Minister Michael Thomas Somare and Deputy Prime Minister Puka Temu.

They pledged to consolidate the traditional friendship between the two countries, promote bilateral cooperation and support each other to advance their relationship. The leaders of Papua New Guinea reiterated their staunch adherence to the one-China policy.


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http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2009-11/06/content_376862.htm