China, Canada set up Strategic Working Group

2005-01-21 00:00

   BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- China and Canada issued the Common Paper of Strategic Working Group, which, chaired by vice ministersof the two sides, is designed for regular consultation on important bilateral political and economic issues, and stronger exchange and coordination on major international and regional issues of common concern.

    The paper said that in December 2003 leaders of China and Canada agreed that it would be in their long-term interest to establish a strategic working group. The two sides agreed that theworking group would hold regular plenums to review progress of cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interests, to identify new areas of cooperation and new work plans.

    According to the Paper, both countries believe that it is in their interests to face the challenges posed by globalization through deeper cooperation on major international issues within the multilateral arena, and that such cooperation will help China and Canada reach their common objective of safeguarding world peace and security, prosperity and sustainable development.

    To reach this goal, the working group is to strengthen coordination and cooperation within the United Nations (UN) framework, establish a strong partnership in support of a G-20 meeting of key world leaders, strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism and transnational crime, as well as consultation and cooperation in other multilateral mechanisms including Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), World Health Organization (WHO) and World Trade Organization (WTO).

    The working group is also expected to identify a strategy to enhance public health capacity-building on the prevention and immunity system of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), HIV/AID and other infectious diseases at the international level, the paper said.

    The paper said China and Canada have a shared commitment to the sustainable development and management of natural resources, as the two countries recognize the potential for mutual benefit in furthering cooperation in minerals and metals, forestry, earth science and energy.

    The new century presents China and Canada with new opportunities for expanded economic cooperation and trade, said the paper. Both sides agreed to continue to expand their cooperation in the fields of trade and investment. Canada acknowledges that China has made significant gains in the process of building a mature market economic system, and the two sides agree to continue to discuss China's concern. Enditem