ASEAN and China are inseparable neighbours and trusted partners sharing mountains and rivers. The thriving ASEAN-China relations have become one of the most vibrant and productive partnerships among all dialogue partners of ASEAN, said Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) during a meeting with Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hajah Johariah binti Haji Abdul Wahab.
The ACC is ready to join hands with the Brunei government to further enhance the building of the ASEAN community and raise public awareness of ASEAN, which include enhancing practical cooperation between ASEAN and China in various fields, take full advantage of the ASEAN-China Year of people-to-people exchanges and to contribute more into ASEAN-China and Brunei-China relations.
“Brunei will also commit to support the ACC in exercising its duties, as we appreciate ACC’s role in the advancement of ASEAN-China relations, especially through people-to-people exchanges over the past 13 years since its establishment. We are also happy to see the continued progress of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations particularly since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established in 2021,” said Hajah Johariah.
“Brunei also welcomes year 2024 of ASEAN-China People-to-People Exchanges as a crucial foundation for garnering strong public support to the growth of ASEAN-China relations,” she added.
Meanwhile, five ACC members also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Bandar Seri Begawan (CCC BSB) on Thursday.
The delegation comprised Shi, General Affairs and Coordination Division Director Sun Yi, Deputy Director of General Affairs and Coordination Division Yu War Ko, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relation Division Wang Yan and General Affairs and Coordination Division Officer Xie Kuangtia.
CCC BSB President Lim Han Chiong welcomed the delegation. – James Kon
