China, Brunei to Strengthen Bilateral TiesPresident Jiang Zemin said that China is ready to work together with Brunei to enhance all-round cooperation in the political, economic, social and other fields on November 17 in Bandar Seri Begawan.Jiang said at the welcoming dinner hosted by Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah,"China has all along maintained that all countries, irrespective of their sizes, are equal members of the international community and should live in harmony, development friendship, cooperate with one another and seek common development." The Chinese president, who is on a state visit to the country after attending the APEC informal leadership meeting, said it is an established policy of the Chinese government to develop friendly relations and cooperation with Brunei on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He said that he is convinced that a steadily and healthily growing China-Brunei relationship will not only benefit the two peoples, but also make new contribution to the maintenance of regional peace and development. In the welcome speech, Bolkiah said Jiang's visit to his country has marked an important milestone in the bilateral relations, adding he hopes the two sides will expand economic and trade links, and increase bilateral exchanges. Brunei Sultan said new areas for cooperation will emerge as the officials and businessmen of the two countries learn more about each other. Bolkiah expressed his support to China as it assumes the Chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. "We are confident that under your leadership, APEC will achieve continued success," he added. He said that the two countries share a joint commitment to the stability and progress of the Asia-Pacific region as whole. Jiang will end his two-day visit to Brunei on Saturday and roundup his three-nation tour in southeast Asia. |
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