Chinese FM Yang Jiechi attends 19th ARF

PHNOM PENH - Dialogue and cooperation is key to development, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said here at the 19th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting Thursday.

In his speech, Yang said despite the profound impact of the international financial crisis and sluggish recovery of the global economy, the Asia-Pacific region has maintained the momentum of robust growth and become an important driving force for world economic recovery and growth.

"Dynamic regional cooperation has played an important part in promoting development, stability and prosperity of the region," he noted.

And it is important that countries in the region enhance solidarity and deepen cooperation to advance the overall interests of peace and stability, and boost internal growth and consumption to sustain the development momentum, Yang added.

In today's world where globalization is gaining momentum and interests of countries become more closely entwined, to seek common development and common security through dialogue and cooperation is the only viable way leading to enduring peace and security, the foreign minister pointed out, saying "it is the shared responsibility of all sides." ?

"Asia-Pacific countries should have the wisdom and ability to properly deal with differences, expand converging interests, and lead our region onto a path of peace, development and cooperation in the 21st century," he stressed.

As for the role of China in the region, he said that stability and development of China, the most populous country in the world, is in itself a major contributor to regional stability and development.

Yang also elaborated on China's principled position on the Korean nuclear issue, the South China Sea, Myanmar, Syria, and the Iranian nuclear issue. ? ?

Yang Jiechi arrived in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Monday midnight for the week-long ASEAN ministerial level meetings, including the 45th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and the 19th ARF. ?

The 19th ARF kicked off here at the Peace Palace on Wednesday afternoon, with foreign Ministers and representatives from 27 countries attending the meeting.