Russia, China note ASEAN's constructive role

Russia and China note ASEAN's constructive role in building new-type interstate relations in the Asia-Pacific region and consider the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as an effective mechanism of political dialogue on regional security problems. They confirm their readiness to cooperate closely within the ARF. This is reflected in the Joint Declaration of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China signed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Jiang Zemin in Beijing Monday.

The document notes that Russia confirms its positive attitude towards further developing the mechanism of dialogue and cooperation in the ASEAN+3 format. China in turn is prepared to render assistance in establishing ties between Russia and this association in the spheres of mutual interest.

Moscow and Beijing regard the development of versatile trade, economic, investment and technological cooperation within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum as a serious contribution to stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region. They have plans to hold regular consultations on APEC problems to co-ordinate their approaches and stances.

Russia and China also highly appraised the contribution of the Asia-Europe (ASEM) Forum to developing equal partnership relations of the new type in Asia and Europe. The Chinese side supports Russia's intention to join the Forum.