State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with chief negotiators to the six-party talks in Beijing Diaoyutai State Guesthouse

On the afternoon of February 13, 2007, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with chief negotiators to the third phase of the fifth round of six-party talks in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Tang extended congratulations to the negotiators for reaching consensus on the initial step to implement the joint statement and accomplishing positive results of the fifth round of six-party talks through hard work. The six parties not only determined the specific actions in the initial stage of implementing the joint statement but also reached consensus on the implementing mechanism, which is a major breakthrough of six-party talks, marks the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula enters into a substantial stage and fully demonstrates the political will of the six parties to realize denuclearization on the Peninsula through peaceful consultation, said Tang.

He noted that one of the positive results of this meeting is that the vitality of the six-party talks is displayed. It is proven that six-party talks are a realistic and effective way of solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and a major platform for all the parties to increase understanding and trust through dialogue and build the new pattern of a harmonious Northeast Asia through cooperation and that it is a correct and feasible way to solve international conflict peacefully through dialogue and consultations.

Tang pointed out to continue pushing forward the denuclearization on the Peninsula, normalize the ties between related countries and maintain peace and stability of Northeast Asia serve the fundamental interest of all parties. He expressed hope that the six parties make continuous efforts, demonstrate political will and wisdom, show flexibility and patience, follow the direction of seeking solution through dialogue under whatever situation, faithfully fulfill their commitments and push for greater achievements of the six-party talks. The Chinese government resolutely supports the document reached during this meeting and is ready to implement its corresponding obligations.

The chief negotiators of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States spoke highly of China's important role of pushing for achievement of this round of talks, agreed that this meeting is a new milestone in the denuclearization process on the Peninsula and indicated will of faithfully implementing their duty and obligations, honoring their commitments, carefully implementing the initial step, increasing mutual trust and strengthening cooperation in the process of pushing forward the six-party talks and working hard to achieve lasting peace, stability and prosperity of Northeast Asia.