JAKARTA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) here on Friday.
Dai highly appreciated the achievement of ASEAN in terms of ASEAN Community construction and its integration development. He said that China as a strategic partner supported the development of ASEAN and was willing to see it show more influence in international affairs.
He said that the relationship between China and ASEAN had gone steadily, and the two sides had achieved plenty fruits in their cooperation. "As the China-ASEAN free trade zone went into operation on Jan. 1, the two sides saw their economic and trading cooperation entering into a comprehensive and deepening development stage, which provides more benefits to their people," said the visiting State Councilor.
Dai added that the cooperation between China and ASEAN follows the development trend and people's wishes, and it would improve the peace and development of Asia-Pacific region, while the economic globalization and regional integration were being accelerated.
He said China had attached great importance to its relationship with ASEAN. According to him, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao declared a series of important initiatives on further strengthening China- ASEAN cooperation at the recent China-ASEAN summit. China is willing to join hands with ASEAN nations to fulfill these initiatives, expand and deepen communication and cooperation with them, share the opportunity, face the challenges, achieve win-win, and create a brighter future for the China-ASEAN strategic partnership, and contribute to the common development and prosperity of Asia.
Dai also said that China as a member of East Asia family always proposed and supported East Asia cooperation. With a diversification, East Asia has many cooperation system existed. China advocates opening up and make each system to support and improve others with its own advantages. China welcomes countries outside East Asia to make efforts for the peace and development, with the cooperation between ASEAN and China, Japan and South Korea as a main channel and ASEAN working steadily as a guiding force.
Surin said that the ASEAN-China relationship developed fast with many active, innovative and prominent achievements. According to him, China acted positively against the international financial crisis with a responsible attitude, which contributes significantly to the stability and recovery of Asia and world's economy.
He added that the ASEAN nations appreciated the support and assistance from China, and was believing they could benefit from China's Development.
The secretary-general said that ASEAN expected to join hands with China in the development of ASEAN-China free trade zone, enhance cooperation in more areas, realize mutual benefit and win- win, and improve the stability and prosperity in this Region. "We are confident about the future of ASEAN-China free trade zone," said Surin.
