text: exchange of views on topics of disarmament which have high priority in order to prepare the ground for negotiations. We believe that the time is most appropriate to act along these lines. The improved international relations have created favourable circumstances for devising new security concepts and establishing the corresponding security structures. The example of the INF Treaty strikingly shows that nuclear disarmament is feasible. A Soviet-American treaty on the halving of their strategic offensive weapons is expected to be concluded before the end of this year. And last but not least, in Europe a start will be made on conventional disarmament soon. The international community also expects the Conference on Disarmament to make a distinctive contribution in the fields of nuclear disarmament and prevention of nuclear war. A first step has been undertaken with today’s decision. We hope that in the wake of the forthcoming exchange of views a convergence of positions will be achieved. * Our Group is willing to make a contribution of its own towards this end. In order to enable practical work on these agenda items to get under way, our Group has also decided for the time being not to insist on the establishment of committees on agenda items 2 and 3, which continues to be our preference. In conclusion, Mr. President, I should like to congratulate you on having guided the consultations of the groups in an able and efficient manner to a successful conclusion. Your unremitting efforts in this endeavour deserve the appreciation and gratitude of my Group. Mr. HOU (China) (translated from Chinese): Mr. President, the Chinese delegation would like to point out that, under your able guidance progress has at least been made on items 2 and 3 through constructive consultations, enabling the Conference to adopt a decision today to hold separate informal 
analysis: This text appears to be related to international relations, security, and disarmament, as it discusses the exchange of views on disarmament topics, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament, and the establishment of security structures. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a high-level meeting or conference.