China, ASEAN vow to consolidate strategic partnership (2)

The premier stressed that economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods are the overriding tasks for the region. China will work with ASEAN to enhance cooperation in areas including trade, investment, financial cooperation, interconnection, maritime cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, speed up regional integration, jointly cope with challenges, and promote regional unity, stability and prosperity.

Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Bruneian Foreign Minister Mohamed Bolkiah, on behalf of the foreign ministers, said ASEAN and China have respected and supported each other since they established the strategic partnership ten years ago. Their friendly and reciprocal cooperation promoted regional stability, growth and prosperity.

China's development brought opportunities for neighboring countries, the two foreign ministers said.

ASEAN will work with China on communication and coordination, expand exchanges and cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, culture, non-traditional security, and maritime, and properly handle disputes.

They also vowed to ensure the upcoming summit between ASEAN and China a great success.