Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Wednesday in Jakarta stressed the need for China and Indonesia to boost mutually beneficial cooperation in his talks with Indonesian President Megawati. Both sides agreed to further promote the exchanges and cooperation in various spheres and signed four memoranda of understanding on encouraging more assistance and cooperation.

China's support to Indonesia unremitting: Zhu

In his talks with Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Premier Zhu said that China will continue to support Indonesia's efforts in safeguarding territorial integrity, national unity and the co-existence of its ethnic groups.

China has always been sticking to the firm policy to consolidate and develop the traditional friendly bilateral relations fostered by the leaders of the old generation, Zhu said.

Manifold exchanges expected

In addition to keeping the frequent exchange of visits and contacts at the high level, the two nations should enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between government departments, political parties and congresses through various channels, Premier Zhu proposed to the Indonesian president.

Cooperation in trade, culture and education positive

Zhu said the two nations should cooperate in trade on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, long-term cooperation and mutual development. Besides, more cultural and educational bilateral exchanges and cooperation should also be promoted which have played a positive role in promoting common understanding and friendship between the two countries.

According to official statistics, in spite of a global economic downturn, the bilateral trade volume amounted to 7.5 billion U.S. dollars last year, and the figure reached five billion dollars in the first nine months of this year.

Joint efforts needed in dealing with international affairs

China hopes to keep the current developing momentum in these areas, Zhu added. The two nations, both having an important influence on world peace and development, should also enhance their cooperation in dealing with international and regional affairs.

Megawati: bilateral economic cooperation satisfactory

Megawati said Indonesia is looking forward to the support and help of China in both its national economic development and regional affairs. She voiced her satisfaction over bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.

Both Zhu and Megawati agreed that priority should be given to agriculture, energy, resources development and infrastructure construction for future cooperation.

Zhu came here earlier Wednesday for a five-day official visit to Indonesia.

Accords and memoranda of understanding signed for further cooperation

Premier Zhu and President Megawati took part in a signing ceremony after their talks. Both sides signed a number of accords including the agreement on cultural cooperation and the agreement on avoiding dual taxation and preventing tax dodging and tax evasion.

The two countries also signed four memoranda of understanding on encouraging more Chinese travelers to Indonesia, agricultural cooperation and China's free economic and technical assistance to Indonesia, as well as on the possibility for the Bank of China to open a branch in Indonesia.

(People's Daily November 8, 2001)