Beijing, 11 January 2023 (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is looking forward to strengthening the China-ASEAN relationship
The Foreign Minister delivered a congratulatory message to Kao Kim Hourn on his inauguration as Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday.
As the 15th Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao will serve from 2023 to 2027. Qin said in his message said that ASEAN has long been committed to maintaining regional peace and stability.
He also acknowledged that ASEAN is an important regional organization in Southeast Asia. Moreover, the Foreign Minister underlined that ASEAN promotes economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and regional cooperation.
“I look forward to having a good working relationship with Secretary-General Kao,” said Qin. Furthermore, the message highlighted that both sides would focus on building the “five homelands.” These will be peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship.
These efforts will deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides and build a closer community with a shared future. Likewise, the two sides will witness regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
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The Foreign Minister also underlined that since establishing dialogue relations with ASEAN in 1991, his country has firmly supported ASEAN community building.
Qin added that China would maintain ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation and promote the upgrading of bilateral relations.
China- ASEAN Relations
After the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, President Xi Jinping paid a visit to Southeast Asia.
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During his visit, President Xi had close interactions and reached important common understandings with leaders of ASEAN countries. This gave a strong boost to the development of bilateral and multilateral relations between the two sides.
The two sides have announced the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, demonstrating the leading role of strong relations. This injects new impetus into building a closer community with a shared future.
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