The Fourth Round of Six-Party Talks in Beijing concluded after two phases of meetings, and the last plenary session and the closing ceremony were held in Fangfeiyuan, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on September 19.

During this round of talks, the parties conducted discussions on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and reached consensus. The heads of the Chinese, DPRK, Japanese, ROK, Russian and US delegations, on behalf of their respective government, agreed unanimously to adopt the Joint Statement on the Fourth Round of Six-Party Talks.

Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, who served as chairman of the talks and head of the Chinese delegation, declared the adoption of the joint statement at the meeting. Wu said that with efforts made by all parties concerned, the Fourth Round of Six-Party Talks rounded up satisfactorily. We have reached a consensus on the general goal of the Fourth Round of Six-Party Talks and have agreed to announce a joint statement, which is the most significant achievement for the past two years or more. The joint statement reflects the strong political will of the six governments involved to peacefully resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, make the peninsula nuclear-free and safeguard its peace and stability. Practices will further prove that the mechanism of six-party talks is a practical and effective means to the peaceful solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and accords with the fundamental interests of all parties.

Wu said the adoption of the joint statement is the beginning of a new stage as well as the end of a certain stage. We still have a long way to go. We'll run into many difficulties and setbacks, but we'll never give up. China will, with joint efforts from all parties concerned, adhere to the orientation of peaceful solution through dialogue and to the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula in a bid to safeguard lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia and promote common development. The agreement is a result of mutual respect, negotiations on an equal footing and mutual understanding and accommodation. It is hoped that the parties concerned can enhance mutual trust, reduce suspicion, enhance consensus, and promote cooperation so as to create a win-win situation.

The heads of the delegations noted that the joint statement reflects the "wisdom and endeavor" of all parties concerned and is a major step forward toward the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula, which is of great significance to peace, stability and development. The parties indicated they will fulfill their obligations prescribed in the joint statement so as to contribute to six-party talks.

The heads of the delegations also expressed thanks to China as the host of the talks for its important role in making the progress possible.

The parties concerned agreed to hold the Fifth Round of Six-Party Talks in Beijing in early November.