1. We strongly believe that our two countries should strive for a long-term strategic partnership of a comprehensive nature. In spite of many obvious differences, there are strong similarities between the two, economically and politically, that offer a strong foundation for mutually beneficial multidimensional partnership between the two. Our two countries are similar to each other in terms of the size of the economy as well the weight in international trade. Both are emergent middle powers internationally, located in the most dynamic region of the world, the Asia-Pacific region. Both aspire to continue to pursue trade-led economic development. Both face several common challenges. And now in broadly comparable stages of development, both economically and politically, the two share the same ultimate goal of achieving national advancement as fully developed democratic countries. The two share a common vision of the world that would bring peace, security and development to all peoples through strong multilateral cooperation. When combined, these similarities create synergies and room for learning from each other. They form the basis for doubling the effectiveness of individual actions toward common goals when the two countries join forces in these actions. They also make room for strong self-interest on the part of each in forming partnership with the other. But the benefit from cooperation can be reaped to its full potential only when the two countries enter into a long-term and comprehensive strategic partnership with each other. (The rest is omitted.)