Joint Communiqué Between the People's Republic of China and Brunei Darussalam, September 22, 2004

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I. At the invitation of President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, Head of State of Brunei Darussalam H.M.Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah paid a working visit to China from September 20 to 22, 2004.

II. During the visit, President Hu Jintao had a meeting with H.M. Sultan. The leaders of the two countries exchanged views on strengthening the bilateral relations and on regional and international affairs in a sincere and friendly atmosphere. Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo met with H.M. Sultan.

III. Both sides are satisfied with the progress in their cooperation on political affairs, trade, culture, education, health, justice and defense over the past 13 years since they established diplomatic relations. Both sides agreed that friendly cooperation between China and Brunei is in the interest of the two countries and their people. They said that they are ready to push bilateral relations up to a new stage.

IV. Both sides emphasized that the principles defined in the "Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations" of 1991 and the "Joint Communiqué" of 1999, including the principles of mutual respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference of the other's internal affairs, are of guiding significance to the development of the friendly relations between the two countries. Brunei reiterated that it will continue to firmly uphold the one-China policy and consider Taiwan an inseparable part of the People's Republic of China. China appreciates this.

V. Both sides agree to maintain frequent exchanges between leaders of the two countries and to promote exchanges between officials at various levels. Both sides agree to explore all-around cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and confidence. To encourage non-governmental exchanges between the two countries, both sides welcome the establishment of the "Association on the Friendship between China and Brunei".

VI. Both sides noticed that the two countries have signed the "Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education Cooperation" and the "Memorandum of Understanding on Supreme Court", which demonstrates that the willingness of relevant agencies of the two countries to develop closer relations is being strengthened.

VII. Both sides agree to strengthen economic relations, expand trade and two-way investments, so that the bilateral trade volume can reach US$ 1 billion. Brunei acknowledges China's complete market economy status.

VIII. Both sides agree that the "Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation" signed by related agencies of the two countries will help governments of the two countries to strengthen and expand the bilateral relations in areas such as agriculture, energy, tourism, transportation, communications and infrastructure construction. Both sides welcome the signing of the "Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Tax Evasion" between related agencies of the two countries.

IX. In view of the significant contributions made by the industrial and commercial communities to economic development, both sides encourage enterprises of the two countries to invest in identified cooperation areas. Both sides welcome Chinese businesses to participate in the exploitation of oil and gas resources in Brunei.

X. With regard to regional cooperation, both sides appreciate remarkable improvement in the relationship between China and ASEAN and agree on close cooperation in a bid to jointly promote the development of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. Both sides reiterate being committed to the development of China-ASEAN free trade area. Both sides agree to further facilitate cooperation among East Asian countries through the current 10+3 cooperative mechanism between ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea. In sub-regional cooperation, Brunei applauds that China supports and participates the development of Brunei - Indonesia - Malaysia ? the Philippine East ASEAN Growth Area.

XI. Both sides express continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability in the South China Sea and to following up, with other ASEAN countries, the "Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in The South China Sea." Both sides express the willingness to discussing ways of cooperation in the South China Sea. With respect to the situation in northeast Asia, Brunei appreciates China's important role in the six party talks and is of the opinion that the talks will be helpful to maintaining regional peace, safety and stability.

XII. Both sides agree to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two countries in the United Nations, ASEAN Regional Forum, APEC, ASEM, World Trade Organization and other international and regional organizations, so as to further promote peace, stability and development.

XIII. Both sides reiterate their commitment to fighting all forms of terrorism and propose that comprehensive measures be adopted in the fight again terrorism, for example, measures should be taken to tackle the root causes of terrorism. Both sides also express the objection to associating anti-terrorism with certain ethnic groups or religions, and appeal for strengthened international cooperation on anti-terrorism.

XIV. H.M. Sultan expressed his gratitude to China's warm and friendly hospitality during his visit, and invited China's leaders to visit Brunei at their convenience. The Chinese leaders accepted the invitation and look forward to the opportunity to visit Brunei.

Original source: http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt/2649/t161105.htm

Other Joint Communiqués:

China-Japan | China-Russian | China-Sri Lanka | China-India-Russia | China-Mozambique | China-South Africa | China-Zambia | China-Japan-Korea | China-Benin | China-Montenegro | China-Uganda | China-Republic of Congo | China-Ghana | China-Georgia | China-Greece | China-Pakistan | China-Malaysia | China-Kazakhstan | China-Samoa | China-Portugal | China-E.U. | China-Vietnam | China-Armenia | China-Brunei Darussalam | China-Albania | China-Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) | China-Fiji Islands | China-Papua New Guinea | China-Moldova | China-Iran | China-Oman | China-United Kingdom |