Special report: Premier Wen attends int'l meetings, visits Singapore

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with Singaporean President S.R. Nathan (R) in Singapore Nov. 19, 2007.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 20 -- Premier Wen Jiabao is continuing his official visit to Singapore, where he will attend a series of regional summit meetings. The premier held talks with leaders from ASEAN member countries Monday.

    In a meeting with Singapore's President S.R. Nathan, Premier Wen said China is dedicated to developing friendly relations with Asian countries and being a trustworthy neighbor and partner.

    Nathan said Singapore is willing to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination with China and to promote peace, stability and common development in the region.

    In talks with Singapore's Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Wen Jiabao said bilateral cooperation is long-term, productive and effective. He said cooperation also brought economic and social benefits to the people of both countries.

    Goh said Singapore's new areas of cooperation with China will push forward the bilateral ties to a new height. Goh expressed hope for further development of cooperation in the Suzhou Industrial Park project of the construction of an Eco-City in Tianjin.

Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (L) meets with visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Singapore, Nov. 19, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    In a meeting with Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Wen recalled that Lee was the founder of relations between China and Singapore. His effort to promote bilateral ties has been appreciated by China.

    Lee said no matter what happens in the world, Singapore has a long-term policy of developing friendly cooperation with China. Lee stressed that any activities for "Taiwan independence" including the referendum on entering the United Nations under the name of Taiwan will jeopardize peace and stability in the region and the world. The international community must show its firm opposition to it.

    Delivering a speech with the title "Only an Open and Inclusive Nation Can be Strong" at the National University of Singapore, Wen said China's opening up policy is long-term, comprehensive in nature and based on mutual benefit.

    He said mutual opening up and inclusiveness between China and Singapore have led to rapid growth in cooperation.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Singapore Nov. 19, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Premier Wen also held talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Wen said China and Vietnam should explore possibilities for joint projects in two economic corridors and one economic belt in the region. On territorial issues, Wen expressed hope that the two sides will speed up the demarcation of their land border and resolve the South China Sea issue under the principle of joint exploitation.

    Dung said Vietnam is ready to develop bilateral cooperation through platforms like the annual fair between China and the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations. Vietnam will also work with China to complete the demarcation of the terrestrial border in 2008 as scheduled and resolve the maritime issue through consultation.

    During the talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Wen Jiabao said next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties. He hopes the two countries can take this opportunity to further promote all-round cooperation. He said the two sides should also guarantee the joint projects to be accomplished in time and meet a high standard of quality.

    Hun Sen said Cambodia is focusing on economic development. He hopes China can further participate in the construction of infrastructure in the country. He also welcomed Chinese enterprises to expand investment there.

    In his meeting with Myanmar's Prime Minister Thein Sein, Wen Jiabao said China is very concerned about the situation in Myanmar. He said China sincerely hopes Myanmar will achieve national reconciliation and achieve democracy, stability and development, with the help of the international community.

    Thein Sein said the situation in Myanmar is returning to normal. He said government will stick to its 7-point roadmap plan to achieve national reconciliation. He says China's responsible attitude and constructive role are appreciated by Myanmar. Sein said his country will continue to support the mediation of the UN Secretary General and his representatives.

    (Source: cctv.com)