FACTBOX-Closer Japan, China ties focus of statement
07 May 2008 05:48:15 GMT Source: Reuters
(Updates following signing of statement) TOKYO, May 7 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday agreed on a blueprint for future ties between Asia's two economic giants. Below are the key points of the document, signed and released following a summit between the two leaders. BILATERAL TIES The two leaders agreed that the Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships for both countries and that both countries have great influence on peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. They agreed that they bear a heavy responsibility. Both sides agreed that, in the long term, cooperation for peace and friendship is the only option for Japan and China. HISTORY Both sides agreed to look squarely at history, to turn towards the future and constantly move forward in the "mutually beneficial strategic relationship" between China and Japan, to constantly deepen mutual understanding, build mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. They agreed to set Japan-China ties in a direction in line with the world and together build a good future for the Asia-Pacific region and the world. UNITED NATIONS The Chinese side appreciates the fact that Japan has maintained its status as a nation of peace for more than 60 years since the war and has contributed to the peace and stability of the world through peaceful means. The two sides agreed to strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding on the issue of United Nations reform and make efforts to increase common awareness. The Chinese side attaches importance to Japan's status and role within the United Nations and wishes Japan to play a bigger and more constructive role in international society. TAIWAN On the question of Taiwan, the Japanese side reiterated that it maintained the stance outlined in past Japan-China joint statements. ANNUAL VISITS The two leaders agreed to exchange annual visits and meet frequently at international gatherings, strengthen the mechanism for strategic dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding concerning their domestic and diplomatic policies and intentions concerning the international situation and work to increase the transparency of those policies. SECURITY They agreed to strengthen mutual high-level visits in the field of security, promote various dialogue and exchanges and further strengthen mutual understanding and trust. UNIVERSAL VALUES In addition to cooperating closely for the sake of greater understanding and pursuit of basic, universal values that are recognised by international society, they will further deepen understanding concerning the shared culture that has been nurtured through long exchanges. CULTURAL EXCHANGES They agreed to promote human and cultural exchanges and increase friendly sentiment among their peoples through broad exchanges in such areas as media, sister cities, sports and civic groups. COOPERATION IN TRADE, ETC They will cooperate in several areas for sustainable growth of the world economy. The areas include energy, the environment, trade, investment, IT technology, finance, food products and product safety and intellectual property protection. EAST CHINA SEA They agreed to make the East China Sea an ocean of peace, prosperity and cooperation. NORTHEAST ASIA They agreed to work together to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia and promote the six-party process (to halt North Korea's nuclear arms programme) and will share the view that the normalisation of ties between Japan and North Korea is of vital significance to the peace and stability of Northeast Asia. GLOBAL ISSUES They agreed to strengthen cooperation on important international issues and cooperate in such areas such as climate change, energy security, environmental protection, poverty and infectious diseases. (Reporting by Linda Sieg, Isabel Reynolds and Chisa Fujioka)
Yak herders load supplies onto their animals at the foot of the world's highest mountain Mount Everest, also known as Qomolangma, in the Tibet Autonomous Region May 6, 2008. An envoy ...
