Dialogue on Strengthening Connectivity Partnership will be held in Beijing on November 8. President Xi Jinping will attend and host the meeting. President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of Lao People's Democratic Republic Choummaly Sayasone, President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Thein Sein, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sherif, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Shamshad Akhtar, and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Mezentsev Dmitry will attend the meeting upon invitation.
To offer a preview of the theme, agenda and outcomes of the 22th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held in Beijing from November 10 to 11, the Public Diplomacy Office of the Foreign Ministry, China Public Diplomacy Association, and China National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation will jointly hold the 10th Lanting Forum at 2 p.m. on October 29 (Wednesday). Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the forum and deliver a keynote speech. Renowned experts and scholars on APEC at home and abroad will speak on specific topics and take questions from the audience.
Q: On October 24, a car bomb exploded at a military checkpoint in northern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, killing and injuring many soldiers. Egyptian President has announced a 3-month state of emergency and curfew starting from October 25 in the northern and central parts of Sinai Peninsular. What is China's comment on that?
A: China opposes all forms of terrorist and violent activities and condemns the bombing attack. We want to express our condolences to the family members of the victims and the injured. Egypt is an important country in West Asia and North Africa and also a friendly nation to China. We sincerely hope that Egypt can restore security and stability as soon as possible, and realize economic development and social prosperity.
Q: State Councilor Yang Jiechi is visiting Vietnam today. Can you provide more details about his meeting with the Vietnamese side? Were there any discussions about South China Sea?
A: At the invitation of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, State Councilor Yang Jiechi is in Vietnam today to co-host the 7th meeting of China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, and will also meet with other Vietnamese leaders. Specific for the meetings will be released in due course.
Since the start of this year, China-Vietnam relations encountered temporary difficulties due to maritime issues. Both sides maintained close communication on properly handling relevant issues. Through concerted efforts, special envoy for the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam paid a visit to China in late August, and the two Parties held high-level meetings and initiated the turning-around of bilateral ties. China stands ready to work with the Vietnamese side to earnestly implement the consensus reached between the two Parties so as to improve and grow China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership.
In line with the functions of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, both sides will have a thorough exchange of views on bilateral relations, including how to properly handle maritime issues and coordinate maritime, overland and financial cooperation. China hopes that this meeting can deepen political mutual trust, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, safeguard maritime stability and promote common development between China and Vietnam..
Q: Brazil held its presidential run-off on October 26. The incumbent President Rousseff was re-elected as the new President. What is China's comment on that? What are China's expectations for bilateral relations?
A: President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Rousseff upon learning her re-election. China believes that under the leadership of President Rousseff, the Brazilian people will make greater achievements in pushing forward national development.
Recent years have seen all-round and rapid development of China-Brazilian relations. Last July, President Xi Jinping attended the 6th meeting of BRICS Summit held in Brazil and paid a state visit to Brazil upon invitation. Both sides held productive meetings, had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest, and reached broad consensus. China always attaches strategic significance to and adopts a long-term perspective in growing bilateral ties. China is willing to work with the Brazilian side to further deepen political and strategic mutual trust,enhance close cooperation in various fields, elevate the level of bilateral practical cooperation, and move forward China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership.
Q: It is reported that former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will visit China this week and meet with Chinese leaders. Can you confirm that? Will this meeting pave the way for a meeting between the two countries' leaders during the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting?
A: The Board of Directors of Boao Forum for Asia will hold a working meeting in Beijing soon. Chinese leaders will meet with the Board members and advisers. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is the chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia.
As for the meeting between the two countries' leaders, our position on improving and developing bilateral ties with Japan has been made clear on multiple occasions. China's attitude and position remain unchanged.