China will enhance friendly exchanges and cooperation with Brunei Darussalam in political, economic and cultural fields, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Tuesday.

 

Tang made the remarks in a meeting with Lim Jock Seng, second minister of foreign affairs and trade of Brunei Darussalam.

 

Tang said the Chinese government, in line with the principle of building friendship and partnership with neighboring countries, will continue expanding cooperation with Brunei Darussalam in various fields and strengthening coordination with Brunei Darussalam in major international and regional affairs.

 

Brunei Darussalam is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Tang told Lim Jock Seng that China-ASEAN relations have witnessed sound development, and China is ready to further increase cooperation with the ASEAN nations.

 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue relations. China will take the commemorative activities as an opportunity to enrich the China-ASEAN strategic partnership, expand areas of cooperation with the ASEAN nations, in order to make new contributions to regional peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity.

 

Lim Jock Seng said Brunei Darussalam values its friendship with China, and will work with China to further enhance cooperation in economy, trade, energy, tourism, culture and defense.

 

Brunei Darussalam will join China in pushing for the ASEAN-China strategic partnership and for the progress in cooperation among nations in East Asia.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2006)