China voices expectations for ASEAN Cambodia meetings

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin held a press conference on July 5. (File photo/ Foreign Ministry of China) BEIJING, July 5 (People's Daily Online) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday voiced hope that a series of foreign ministers' meetings to be held in Cambodia next week will increase mutual trust, promote cooperation and consolidate the development momentum of east Asia. Spokesman Liu Weimin made the remarks at a regular press conference. The meetings Liu referred to are the 10+1 foreign ministers' meeting between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations); the 10+3 foreign ministers' meeting between ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea; the foreign ministers' meeting of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Liu called on all participants to send a strong message of cooperation during the meetings and to forge closer partnerships in order to enhance their collective capacity to cope with the challenges brought on by the fragile world economy. China will continue to firmly support ASEAN's leading role in east Asian cooperation, Liu said. At the 10+1 foreign ministers' meeting, China will review the achievements made in China-ASEAN relations and reaffirm its commitment to developing relations with ASEAN, promoting pragmatic cooperation and settling differences through friendly negotiations, he said. At the 10+3 foreign ministers' meeting, China will exchange views with other participants on the implementation of the results of the 14th 10+3 summit and plans for the future, as well as make preparations for a commemorative summit to be held for the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the 10+3 summit at the end of this year, he said. At the EAS foreign ministers' meeting, China will exchange views with other participants on major regional and international strategic issues, he said. At the ARF foreign ministers' meeting, China will introduce its views on the current Asia-Pacific situation, said Liu. The economies of Asia-Pacific countries have benefited from years of peace and stability, which have not come easily and should be treasured by all parties, he said. During the meeting, China hopes to discuss the strengthening of mutual trust, the enhancement of Asia-Pacific security cooperation and the joint protection of regional peace and stability, Liu said. The ARF, established in 1994, is a key forum for security dialogues in Asia. It draws together 27 countries that have a bearing on the security of the Asia-Pacific region.