China, Japan, S. Korea Vow to Enhance Cooperation in Fighting Against Infectious Diseases

Seoul (PNA/Xinhua) — China, Japan, and South Korea vowed here Sunday to enhance cooperation in fighting against emerging infectious diseases, according to a joint declaration released after a trilateral summit.

Given the backdrop of the outbreak of MERS in South Korea and Ebola in Africa, the three countries will enhance information-sharing and technological cooperation in case of emergencies, including the outbreak of infectious diseases and natural disasters, the declaration said.

Meanwhile, the document also highlighted the importance of tackling air pollution in the region and encouraged the three countries to share good practices and efforts on improving air quality.

China, Japan and South Korea will also cooperate on the adoption of an agreement that follows the principles and provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change applicable to all parties at the Paris Conference coming up at the end of this year, it said.

According to the declaration, the three countries will coordinate with the international community to work on protecting biodiversity, reducing marine litter, supporting green growth strategy in developing countries and other issues relevant to sustainable development.

The three countries will also launch a trilateral high-level dialogue on the Arctic so as to share policies, explore cooperative projects and seek ways to deepen cooperation over the Arctic.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye attended the summit, resumed after a three-and-a-half year hiatus. (PNA/Xinhua) JMC/EBP