MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

China becomes OAS observer.

China was accepted this Thursday as one of the sixty country observers in the Organization of American States, OAS, during a formal session of the Permanent Council.

The Council adopted the resolution by consensus following a formal request from the government of Beijing.

"China will actively promote cooperation with the OAS with the purpose of promoting mutual development", said the Chinese observer Yang Jiechi during his first speech at the organization secretariat in Washington.

Mr. Jiechi emphasized China's common interest with the 34 OAS country members in maintaining peace and promoting human development, and anticipated that his post as Permanent Observer will open ample opportunities for cooperation between China and the Americas.

He also praised OAS role in regional stability and security, and promoting integration.