ASEAN ready to promote partnership with China: Secretary-General

Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn met with Wang Yi, head of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, in Beijing on March 27, noting the bloc’s readiness to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

At the meeting, Kao stressed the friendship and long-term cooperation between ASEAN and China.

ASEAN is ready to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and tighten links in trade, investment, digital economy and green development, he said.

The official also expressed the bloc’s willingness to work with China to promote energy transition, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges while unleashing cooperation potential to further advance bilateral ties.

Congratulating Kao on taking office as ASEAN Secretary-General, the Chinese official said China has always supported ASEAN, and that it will continue to firmly support the association’s integration and community building, its solidarity for development, and the maintenance of the ASEAN-centred regional cooperation architecture.

Wang added the two sides should join hands to advance the noble cause of modernisation for the people in China and ASEAN; build a region of peace, prosperity, a beautiful environment, and friendship; and foster cooperation for a shared future.

VNA