The two sides noted with satisfaction that great progress has been achieved in recent years in the exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and other fields between China and ASEAN. This not only accords with the interests of the peoples of China and ASEAN countries, but has also exerted a positive influence on peace, stability and prosperity in this region. The two sides believed that the present stability and dynamic economic growth of the Aia-Pacific region provides a good opportunity for the development of China and ASEAN and their mutual cooperation, which has a great potential and broad prospect for development. They expressed their readiness to make energetic efforts to further intensify friendly relations and cooperation between the two sides.

The two sides recalled with pleasure that Mr. Qian Qichen Vice Premier of the State Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, has attended the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for three successive years since 1991, and held fruitful dialogues and consultations with the Foreign Ministers of the six ASEAN countries. At these Meetings, Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Oian Oichen, on behalf of the Chinese Government, put forward the proposals for a China-ASEAN Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, a China-ASEAN Science and Technology Training Center, and a Technology Development and Service Center. These proposals were seriously discussed by the two sides at the talks during this visit. The two sides considered these proposals very helpful for promoting closer friendship and cooperation between China and ASEAN.

For the purpose of further developing their cooperation and exchanges in the economic, trade, scientific and technological fields, the two sides agreed to establish a Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and ASEAN, and a Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and ASEAN. The two Joint Committees shall assume the following functions: (1) to revleyv the state of the economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation between China and ASEAN; (2) to consider and recommend ways for further expansion of economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation; (3) to discuss regional and international economic issues of common interest to China and ASEAN. The two Joint Committees shall hold regular meetings alternately in China and ASEAN.

The consultative relationship between China and ASEAN is based on equality, mutual benefit and common development without prejudice to bilateral relations between China and the member states of ASEAN.

The two sides held counterpart talks on economic and trade as well as science and technological cooperation. During the talks on economic and trade cooperation, the two sides exchanged views on topics that could be discussed by the Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation. They also reached an understanding on the level of representation, the form of consultation and institutions in China and ASEAN that would service the Joint Committee. During the talks on scientific and technological cooperation, the two sides agreed to set up a preparatory working group to draw up the terms of reference, composition and working mechanisms of the Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The two sides also discussed scientific and technological cooperation projects.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the results achieved during Secretary-General Dato' Ajit Singh's visit to China. The ASEAN delegation expressed appreciation to the Chinese side for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded them during the visit.