BEIJING — Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on May 12 that China and Brunei should expand cooperation to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and become better partners for each other.

China is willing to work with Brunei and other countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea area, Wang told Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lim Jock Seng.

China hopes Brunei will continue to play an active role in strengthening China-ASEAN relations, Wang said.

Lim, who is in China to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation scheduled for May 14-15, said China’s hosting of the forum is of historic and global significance and extended wishes for its success.

Lim said efforts should be made to enhance bilateral pragmatic cooperation in trade, investment and other fields under the framework of the Belt and Road, adding that Brunei will continue to play a positive role in properly handling the South China Sea issue.