A reception was held in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 15th anniversary of the dialogue relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said at the reception that since China and ASEAN started the dialogue relations 15 years ago, the two sides have conduct deep exchanges and cooperation in vast areas and made great achievements.

 

Li noted that practice has proved the strategic partnership between China and the ASEAN has brought benefits for both peoples.

 

Tran Van Luat, ambassador of Vietnam to China and vice chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Beijing, said the strategic partnership between the ASEAN and China has not only made contributions to the common development of both sides, but also made great contributions to creating an environment of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

 

Gu Xiulian, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, and diplomats from some other ASEAN countries attended the reception.

 

The reception was held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the ASEAN Committee in Beijing.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2006)