China, Indonesia vow to step up strategic partnership

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-22 22:28

JAKARTA -- China and Indonesia vowed here Monday to step up the strategic partnership to a higher level.

During the talks between visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and Indonesian Vice President Yusuf Kalla, the two sides also agreed to further the bilateral cooperation in fields such as energy and infrastructure construction.

Li also offered a six-point proposal aiming at promoting the bilateral cooperation, according to a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which included:

Firstly, to formulate a comprehensive and feasible plan to promote the pragmatic cooperation between the two nations in the next five years;

Secondly, to maintain the growth momentum of the two-way trade value, despite the current global economic recession;

Thirdly, to ensure the significant bilateral projects in the power and transportation sectors;

Fourthly, to cement cooperation in energy based on principles of the equality and mutual benefit;

Fifthly, to work closer in fields of agriculture, fishery, aviation and finance;

And lastly to strengthen communication and coordination on regional and international issues of common concern.

China values Indonesia's important role in regional and international issues and is willing to join hands with Indonesia to contribute efforts to the establishment of a new international economic and financial system, Li said.

He also expressed his appreciation to Indonesia's adherence to the one-China policy and support for China's peaceful reunification process.

Kalla highlighted the recent growth of bilateral cooperation, especially in sectors like power, energy and infrastructure.

Indonesia wholeheartedly thanks for the sincere help offered by China, Kalla was quoted as saying by the press release, adding that the country welcomes more Chinese businesses to participate into Indonesia's infrastructure construction and energy cooperation with China.

Kalla also expressed his appreciation to the recent development of relations across the Taiwan Strait, reiterating that Indonesia will continue to stick to its one-China position and will not develop official relations with Taiwan.

The two leaders also witnessed a signing ceremony for a series of cooperation agreements covering such fields as energy, culture and youth exchanges.

Li arrived in Indonesia on Saturday afternoon. His 11-day tour, Li's first overseas trip since he took office as vice premier in March, will also take him to Egypt and Kuwait.