China and Indonesia should start as soon as possible a strategic dialogue mechanism so as to further enhance political trust and expand strategic common knowledge, said Chinese leader Jia Qinglin when meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta Tuesday morning.

 

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also said that high-level exchanges between the governments, parliaments and political parties should be strengthened.

 

He expressed appreciation on the Indonesian government for taking one-China policy as political basis for developing bilateral relations, suggesting the two countries continue to pay attention to issues concerning prominent interests of each other by stepping up mutual support.

 

Jia said the two countries should strongly push forward bilateral trade and economic cooperation on the basis of the principles of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, earnestly implement cooperative projects in such fields as electricity, water conservancy, bridge construction and railway building and expand cooperation in the fields of energy and finance.

 

Jia said the two countries should promote cooperation in such areas as disaster reduction and prevention of newly emerged epidemic diseases.

 

Jia also noted the two countries should enhance coordination and cooperation on regional and international affairs, adding the two sides should actively push forward the process of the establishment of China-ASEAN free trade zone.

 

Jia said that China will continue to support Indonesia in its efforts to combat separatist forces and safeguard national unification.

 

On his part, Susilo said Indonesia is ready to join effort with China to maintain close contact among high-level officials, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, economy, energy and infrastructure development and strengthen cooperation on regional and international affairs.

 

Indonesia is willing to continuous advance the strategic partnership with China so as to contribute to regional peace and development, he said, adding the establishment of the strategic partnership represents the latest achievement made by the two sides.

 

Susilo emphasized that it is the constant policy of the Indonesian government and the choice of all Indonesian people to stick to the one-China policy, and the Indonesian government will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

 

He expressed appreciation on China's support to Indonesia's effort to maintain national unity.

 

Susilo said over the past few years, he had reached a great deal of consensus on strengthening bilateral links with President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders, adding the two countries now have good relations and ever growing cooperation.

 

He thanked China for providing assistance to Indonesia's disaster relief after the hit of earthquake and tsunami. Susilo expressed the belief that bilateral relations will see a better future.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2006)