China, Brunei look forward to bringing new vigor into bilateral ties

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah agreed on Thursday to enhance cooperation to advance bilateral ties.

During their meeting, the Sultan said Brunei attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to enhance mutual trust continuously, deepen economic and trade cooperation, promote progress in bilateral ties and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"Brunei will always uphold the one-China policy," the Sultan said.

For his part, Wang said the year 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Brunei ties. The two countries have set a good example of getting along in harmony with each other for big powers and smaller nations on the basis of mutual respect and treating each other as equals.

China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Brunei, promote the integration of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with Brunei's Vision 2035, back the advancement of the country's strategy of economic diversification and support it in playing a central role in the East ASEAN Growth Area, said the Chinese foreign minister.

China is also willing to improve its cooperation with Brunei in key areas such as energy and infrastructure and push forward the construction of Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor in a bid to bring new vigor into their strategic partnership of cooperation and cement the foundation of public opinion of their friendly ties, Wang added. Endit