BEIJING, Feb. 2 -- Chinese premier Li Qiang on Friday sent a congratulatory letter to the launching ceremony of the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-people Exchanges.

Li said that linked by mountains and rivers, China and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) enjoy cultural affinity and time-honored friendly exchanges, and that together, the two sides have created a rich and diverse Asian culture.

The China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership enjoys a sound momentum of development, and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, Li said, adding that new strides have been made in building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Li said China looks forward to working with ASEAN countries to take the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-people Exchanges as an opportunity to promote mutual understanding and amity among people of the two sides, build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable homeland together.

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended the launching ceremony held in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, and read Li's congratulatory letter.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos, the current ASEAN chair, also sent a congratulatory letter to the launching ceremony.