China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have made tremendous strides in their friendly cooperation in various fields since China-ASEAN dialogue was established 15 years ago, says Brunei's second foreign minister.

 

The two sides have showed mutual respect and joined efforts in promoting the friendly cooperative ties between them, Lim Jock Seng told Xinhua in a recent interview.

 

The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) had been one of the main arenas on which the two sides were carrying out dialogues and cooperation during the early days of China-ASEAN dialogue which was set up in 1991, he said.

 

The process of establishing a China-ASEAN Free Trade Area has been set in motion, he said.

 

Lim said ASEAN and China now enjoy a harmonious relationship between them, marked by mutual respect and cooperation, adding that the two sides have also carried out frank exchanges of views on certain issues.

 

ASEAN and China have reached agreement on accords on trade of goods at their talks over the free trade area, and talks on services and investment are still underway, he said.

 

He stressed the need to finish the process at an early date so that both ASEAN and China could benefit from it.

 

He praised China's economic achievements, which he said had contributed greatly to the economic development in Southeast Asia and also helped promote global economic growth.

 

Brunei and China have also witnessed good momentums for developing their bilateral friendly cooperation in such fields as defense, education, economy and energy since the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue, Lim said.

 

There have been frequent exchanges of high-level visits between the two countries and their trade volume is rising steadily, he said, adding that their cooperation in regional and international affairs has also been strengthened.

 

Lim said Brunei attaches importance to long-term energy cooperation with China and talks are going on with the Chinese side.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2006)