China and Brunei issued a joint communique in Beijing Wednesday amidst Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah's visit to China.

The full text of the joint communique is as follows:

Joint Communique Between The People's Republic of China and Brunei Darussalam

At the invitation of H.E. Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, made a working visit to China from September 20 to 22,2004.

During the visit, H.E. Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China held talks with His Majesty the Sultan. Leaders of the two countries exchanged views on further deepening China-Brunei traditional friendship, strengthening bilateral ties and on regional and international issues of mutual interest in a sincere and friendly atmosphere. Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also met with His Majesty.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the progress of current bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and trade, cultural, educational, health, legal, defence and other fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations 13 years ago. They agreed that the development of friendly relations and cooperation between China and Brunei is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and their people. They expressed their readiness to make joint efforts to bring this bilateral relationship to a new level.

The two sides emphasized the importance of the principles enshrined in the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations 1991 and the Joint Communique 1999, which include the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, in guiding the development of friendly relations between the two countries. The Brunei side reaffirmed its continued and long-standing commitment to the "one China policy", holding that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese side expressed appreciation for this.
 
The two sides agreed to maintain frequent exchanges between leaders of the two countries and to promote exchanges between officials at various levels. They also agreed to advance bilateral cooperation in all dimensions in order to enhance mutual understanding and trust, and welcomed the establishment of the China-Brunei Friendship Association as a means to encourage non-governmental relations.

The two sides noted that the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Supreme Courts that has just been signed indicated the growing interest amongst relevant agencies to create closer linkages in their respective fields.

The two sides agreed to enhance economic relations and increase trade and mutual investment with the objective of reaching bilateral trade target of US$1 billion by the year 2010. Brunei Darussalam has also recognized the People's Republic of China as a full market economy.

The two sides also agreed that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Promotion of Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation will enable the two governments to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, tourism, transportation, communication and infrastructure development. The two sides also welcomed the signing of the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income.

Considering the important contribution of the business sector to the development of economy, the two sides encouraged enterprises from both countries to make investments in the areas that have been identified. The two sides welcomed Chinese enterprises to participate in the exploration and development of oil and gas resources in Brunei Darussalam.

On regional development, the two sides commended the significant progress of the China-ASEAN relations over the recent years and agreed to work closely to promote the ASEAN-China strategic partnership. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA). The two sides agreed that the existing ASEAN+3 mechanisms could further develop the East Asia Cooperation. China reaffirmed its support for ASEAN to continue to be the driving force in East Asia cooperation. In sub-regional development, Brunei Darussalam welcomes China's support and participation in the development of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) .

The two sides agreed to continue to commit themselves to the maintenance of peace and stability in the South China Sea and they agreed to work with other ASEAN members to implement the follow-up measures of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The two sides also expressed their readiness to look for ways to cooperate in the South China Sea. In Northeast Asia, Brunei Darussalam expressed its appreciation for the important role that China has played in the Six-Party Talks which contribute to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the region.

In order to further promote peace, stability and development, the two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation at the United Nations, ARF, APEC, ASEM, WTO and other international and regional organizations.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations in a comprehensive manner, including the need to address root causes of terrorism. The two sides also expressed their objection to the linkage of terrorism to a certain ethnic group or religion. They also called for enhanced international cooperation on this matter.

His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and warm reception accorded to him during the visit and extended invitations to the Chinese leaders to visit Brunei Darussalam. The Chinese leaders accepted this invitation and looked forward to the opportunity to visit Brunei Darussalam.

(Xinhua News Agency September 23, 2004)