Latin American, East Asian FMs meet to promote social, economic development

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-24-2007 09:33

From left to right, Republic of Korea's Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon, Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, Argentina's Foreign Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana, and Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Aso, raise their hands during the closing ceremony of the III Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM-III) of the Forum for East Asia - Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) at the Itamaraty palace in Brasilia, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Foreign Ministers from 33 Latin American and East Asian countries have met in Brasilia to promote social and economic development.

It was the third time the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation has being held. The event intended to draw a bridge between two distant regions separated by the Pacific Ocean.

Representatives called for strengthening partnership and promoting common development.

Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said Latin America and East Asia should enhance understanding and increase exchanges in economy and trade. He said Asia's progress in technology could help battle poverty and promote sustainable development in Latin America.

Gelso Amorim, Brazilian FM, said, "Advanced technology, of which some of the countries here offer good examples, when such technology is appropriately applied to public policy, it can be a powerful element in promoting social inclusion, reduction of poverty, and sustainable development."

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Li Jinzhang said expanding and strengthening cooperation between Latin America and East Asia will benefit peoples of both regions.

Li stressed that the Chinese side hopes the forum will serve as a bridge between the regions. He urged the countries to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, not to interfere in the internal affairs of one another, and also to uphold equality and work on mutual benefit.

The two-day meeting has drawn up a statement regarding trade and investment cooperation.

Editor:Du Xiaodan