Source: Xinhuanet

10-25-2006 17:07

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia highly values the 15-year-old relations between ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and China, which have developed remarkably in recent years to cover all sectors and have transformed from the level of dialogue to that of strategic partnership, Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong said in a written statement exclusively for Xinhua.

"Both ASEAN and China have shown their firm commitment in expanding and deepening their cooperation in a comprehensive manner and have advanced their cooperation to the level of strategic partnership which therefore contributes to regional peace, security, stability and development in the wider Asia-Pacific region," said Hor, who is also the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.

On political and security issues, the two sides' cooperation has moved far beyond the confidence-building level to reach political maturity, he said.

"In this regard, both sides signed a Joint Declaration of the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of ASEAN and the People's Republic of China on the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Bali, (Indonesia), 2003, which serves as the blueprint for strengthening the strategic partnership between ASEAN and China to ensure greater peace and prosperity in the region," Hor added.

At the same time, he said, ASEAN has greatly appreciated the role of China in the area of development cooperation, particularly as China has been actively supporting ASEAN's integration and the Greater Mekong Sub-region integration.

Both sides have also increased the frequency of high-level exchanges, and have seen in the past few years many visits by Chinese leaders to ASEAN member countries and those of ASEAN heads of state and government to China, he said.

Meanwhile, he said, ASEAN welcomes China's intention to sign the Protocol for the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), making China the first country to formally support the agreement.

"China's accession to SEANWFZ will further strengthen peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole," he added.

On the issue of the South China Sea, the leaders of ASEAN and China welcomed the progress made by both sides toward the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC), aimed at transforming the South China Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship, Hor said.