Wen's visits boost China's ties with Malaysia, Indonesia: FM

09:37, May 01, 2011

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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) meets with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 28, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visits to Malaysia and Indonesia have enhanced China's relations with the two countries, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Saturday.

Given the ongoing profound changes of the global and regional situations, the two-nation trip has contributed to China's efforts in fostering a harmonious, stable and cooperative development environment, Yang told reporters.

Both Malaysia and Indonesia are important neighbors of China and heavy-weight members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They play influential roles in regional affairs, the Chinese foreign minister said.

It is the common aspirations of China and the other two nations and a primary goal of Wen's visits to deepen China-Malaysia and China-Indonesia political trust and bilateral relations in the new era, he said.

During the four-day tour, Wen held candid and in-depth talks with Malaysian and Indonesian leaders and reached extensive consensus on bilateral ties and other issues of common concern.

Wen's visits helped chart the path of future practical cooperation between China and the two countries, Yang said, noting that the three countries are all at their respective period of rapid economic growth and their economies are highly complementary.

Malaysia has become China's largest trading partner among ASEAN countries for three years in a row and China has become Malaysia's largest trading partner for two consecutive years, Yang noted.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meet the media together after their talks in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Economic and trade cooperation between China and Indonesia has witnessed fast growth and increasing mutual investments, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he said.

During his visits to the two countries, Wen highlighted that the three countries should fully explore the favorable policies of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and promote practical cooperation to further bilateral ties, the foreign minister said.

The two-nation tour has further consolidated the popular foundation for bilateral ties, Yang said.

China's cultural exchanges with Malaysia and Indonesia enjoy a long history and serve as a solid foundation for a sound development of bilateral ties, Yang noted.

Premier Wen attached great importance to communication and exchanges with people from different circles of the two countries, Yang said.

Wen also took the opportunity to expound China's stand on developing China-ASEAN ties and East Asian cooperation, he said.

Noting that Indonesia is the biggest country among ASEAN and Malaysia is one of the founders of the regional organization, Yang said Premier Wen fully recognized the important role that ASEAN plays in promoting regional stability, development and progress, and highly evaluated the historic progress in China-ASEAN ties.

During the visits, Wen said China would deepen practical cooperation and cultural exchanges with ASEAN and join hands with the regional organization to safeguard security and stability in the region.

As for East Asian cooperation, Wen said China welcomes all views that would promote regional stability and development and supports the development process of the East Asia Summit.

Wen wrapped up his tour to Malaysia and Indonesia on Saturday night.

Source: Xinhua