State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Erywan Yusof in Beijing on June 13 to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties.

Wang said China is willing to work with Brunei to further develop relations with the country, and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Erywan is on an official visit to China from June 12 to 14.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two sides have always respected and supported each other, standing as a model of equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation between big and small countries.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic cooperation partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Wang said Brunei is an important member of the 10-nation bloc, making efforts to further develop China-ASEAN relations.

Erywan said Brunei and China enjoy a sound relationship with very strong diplomatic communication and economic and trade cooperation.

As China deepens the cooperation with Brunei under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, Brunei warmly welcomes and supports China contributing to the development of the eastern part of ASEAN.