The Beijing Talks Between China, the DPRK and the United States Concluded (25/04/2003)

2004-06-12 17:08

On the morning of April 25th, 2003, the Beijing talks between China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States on the DPRK nuclear issue concluded at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. China’s Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi met and talked cordially with heads of the delegations. Li Zhaoxing said that the Beijing talks signifies a good beginning and have received attention and welcome from the international community. He expressed the hope that the parties will continue to exert their efforts for a peaceful settlement of the issue. Both the DPRK and the U.S. sides voiced their endorsement with Li, saying that during the talks, the parties have stated their stances, fully exchanged their views and thus enhanced mutual understanding.

The heads of the delegations clasped their hands together, signaling the conclusion of the talks. The parties agreed that they would continue to maintain contact on further talks through diplomatic channels.

China’s Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly, DPRK’s head of delegation Li Gun respectively before the talks were concluded.

Li Zhaoxing said that the DPRK’s nuclear issue was very complicated and sensitive, but human effort should be a decisive factor. The top priority at present is to proceed from the overall situation of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and realizing denuclearization of the peninsula and insist on resolving the issue through peaceful talks. This is the sole choice that is beneficial to all parties.

Li Zhaoxing said, in discussion of major issues, it is not strange to have differences. The crux of the matter is to pay attention to substantial content of the discussion rather than being confined to the form. The two parties should heed the wordings and statements, and more importantly, attach importance to the deeds of each other. The ultimate goal is to serve the long—term interest of the people of the relevant countries.　

Both the DPRK and the US sides gave a high appraisal of China for its proposal for holding the Beijing talks and expressed their thanks to China for its considerate arrangements for the talks.　