Li is attending the 10th ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN+10 Meeting and the ASEAN+3 Meeting here from June 16 to 19.

At a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Li Zhaoxing said that during Chinese President Hu Jintao's recent successful visit to Russia, leaders of the two countries stressed the need to stick to the principles of developing long-term good neighborhood relations and mutual beneficial cooperation, creating a new situation in Sino-Russia relationship.

"I believe the Sino-Russian strategic cooperative relations will be improved constantly and benefit the people of the two countries," Li said.

Igor Ivanov said that the Russian government highlights Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit, believing the common view reached by the leaders is of great significance to deepening the bilateral relations.

The two foreign ministers also talked about the Korean peninsula issue, situation in Iraq and the issue of South Asia. They agreed to strengthen talks and cooperation on major international issues.

While meeting Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha, Li first expressed his sympathy for the flood disaster in northeast India.

Li said that historical problems should not hinder the development of bilateral friendly relations between the two countries. Stable and healthy Sino-Indian relationship is conducive to the fundamental interests of the two nations, he added.

He said the upcoming visit by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to China is an important event and China will make full preparations for the visit.

Sinha expressed delight about the frequent high rank visits and the rapid growth of economic exchanges between the two countries. He said that he believed dialogue can not only solve disputes, but also deepen the relationship which has a bright future.

Li told Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer that mutual visits of the leaders of the two counties have played irreplaceable role in improving bilateral relations between the two countries. He said the Chinese government is preparing for the exchange of high-level visits, hoping the exchange of visits will accelerate all-round cooperation between the two nations.

Downer said Australia attaches great importance to the relations with China, and sticks to the one China policy.

Li also met with South Korean Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan. They spoke highly of the development of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Li Zhaoxing will conclude his stay in Cambodia and leave for Thailand on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2003)