In the afternoon, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the 25th ASEAN-China Summit held at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, Kingdom of Cambodia. Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. At the Summit, His Majesty in a titah highlights that the People’s Republic of China has been an important partner to ASEAN that contributes significantly to regional peace, economic growth and social progress, for over three decades. The extensive economic cooperation is one of the pillars of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. To this end, His Majesty welcomes the negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement to ensure it is up-to-date, more business-friendly, and resilient to global challenges. Touching on the Technical Cooperation Agreement, His Majesty looks forward to the early implementation of the Agreement that would strengthen human and technical capacities. The Agreement is very much in line with the Global Development Initiative announced by His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China at the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 to ensure long-term prosperity. His Majesty in his titah reaffirms Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to strengthen efforts and goodwill for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, DOC as this year marks its 20th anniversary, as well as encouraged respective officials to expedite negotiations towards the conclusion of a comprehensive and substance Code of Conduct to ensure continued trust and confidence in the region. Meanwhile, His Excellency Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in his statement highlighted the notable achievement of ASEAN-China dialogue relations in becoming each other’s largest trading partners, given the impacts of COVID-19 and complex international landscapes.
His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and ASEAN Chair then delivered the ASEAN Common Statement on ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations which, among other things, commended the implementation of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for Peace and Prosperity 2021 to 2025 as well as appreciated China’s contributions to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund.
At the Summit, Leaders discussed on enhancing trade liberalisation towards regional economic stability and welcomed cooperation between ASEAN and China in the fields of digital transformation and green growth. At the end of the Summit, the ASEAN-China Joint Statement of the 20th Anniversary of the DOC; ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Promoting Common and Sustainable Development; and ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Food Security Cooperation were adopted.
Source: Radio Television Brunei