Premier Wen calls for ASEAN to build harmonious East Asia

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-15-2007 08:25

Leaders of ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea pose for a group photo prior to the 10th ASEAN plus three (10+3) summit in Cebu of the Philippines, Jan. 14, 2007.(Xinhua Photo/Yao Dawei)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called for China, Japan, South Korean and the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, to join hands to build a harmonious East Asia of peace and prosperity.

He was speaking Sunday at the ASEAN plus three summit in Cebu in the Philippines. Premier Wen has also attended the China-ASEAN summit, which yielded a Trade in Service agreement.

Leaders from China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN came together.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C), South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meet in Cebu of the Philippines, Jan. 14, 2007.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the participant countries of the 10+3 cooperation have maintained a good momentum of growth and strong dynamism over the past decade.

Wen called on all to work together to build a harmonious East Asia.

The Chinese Premier spelled out the requirements to reach consensus.

They include: political mutual trust and harmonious coexistence, common development through win-win economic cooperation, mutual assistance, solidarity and cooperation in security, and mutual cultural enrichment.

The summit between China and ASEAN was also productive.

Their ground-breaking Trade in Service Agreement under the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation will come into effect this July.

This means many services and service suppliers in the region will enjoy improved market access and treatment.

The agreement is also expected to create many more investment opportunities in the region, particularly in those sectors where commitments have already been made.

Editor:Du Xiaodan