Chinese, Indonesian FMs pledge closer economic cooperation

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi here on Monday, with the two officials pledging to work with all parties to ensure the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal as soon as possible.

The RCEP, initiated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2012, is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the 10 member states of the association and the six FTA partners of ASEAN -- China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the 14th Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Wang said China and Indonesia will celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. He hoped that the two friendly neighbors would further strengthen coordination and cooperation at bilateral, regional and global levels, support each other and better safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

"China is firmly committed to greater opening up to the world and all countries are welcome to share the development opportunities brought by China. As unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, we should safeguard multilateralism and free trade with concrete actions," said Wang.

China is willing to work with all parties to sign the RCEP agreement as soon as possible, said the Chinese foreign minister, welcoming more quality products from all countries to the Chinese market.

Marsudi said Indonesia attaches great importance to its relations with China and is satisfied with their close cooperation. Indonesia hopes to maintain close exchanges with China at all levels and to expand economic, trade and investment cooperation, she noted.

According to Marsudi, Indonesia is ready to work with China and other relevant parties to sign the RCEP for mutual benefit.

Upon request, Wang briefed Marsudi on the development situation in China's Xinjiang region. In particular, he outlined the measures taken in accordance with the law to prevent terrorism and extremism and the results achieved.

Some western forces have shown "extraordinary interest" in China's Xinjiang region, with the real aim of destabilizing the region and curbing China's development, said Wang, who welcomed Indonesians from all walks of life to visit Xinjiang, and see for themselves.