Chinese premier proposes enhancing ASEAN Plus Three cooperation
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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a four-point proposal on Friday for enhancing cooperation in priority areas between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN Plus Three).
The ASEAN Plus Three cooperation has emerged from severe tests stronger and its status as the main vehicle of East Asian cooperation has been further enhanced, Wen told leaders at the 13th ASEAN plus Three Summit.
The two sides should first strengthen coordination and cooperation, stick to the ASEAN Plus Three as the main vehicle of cooperation and accelerate the establishment of the East Asian Free Trade Area, Wen said.
Efforts should also be made to deepen financial cooperation, he said, noting that the two sides should make Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization more effective and improve its operation procedures.
The premier also called for promoting cooperation in other areas, including food security, construction of roads, railways, shipping routes and ports, and education.
The ASEAN plus Three countries should intensify communication and coordination on major international issues, such as climate change, Wen said.
