China commits itself to cementing partnership with neighboring countries and remaining their "true and good neighbor, partner and friend," said Premier Wen Jiabao in Kunming on July 5, 2005.

"This is a solemn pledge and unswerving long-term policy of the Chinese Government," Wen said at the opening ceremony of the Second Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), featuring the theme of "A Stronger Partnership for Common Prosperity."

The GMS cooperation program involves six countries, namely Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, which share the Lancang-Mekong River.

Wen said all GMS countries are close neighbors of China.

"Nourished by the same river, our peoples have fostered long-standing friendship," he added.

The premier reiterated that to establish and develop good-neighborly relations and friendship with neighboring countries is the consistent policy of the Chinese government.

"We are resolved to work together with other countries to further consolidate and develop our traditional friendship and constantly expand our equal-footed and mutually beneficial cooperation so as to jointly foster a secure and stable regional environment, thus paving the way for regional economic and social development," he said.

Source: Xinhua