Premier pledges closer economic ties with Brunei

Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (L) talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing April 5, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]?

BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday vowed further economic and investment cooperation with Brunei in a bid to achieve win-win outcomes between the two countries.

In a meeting with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Li said China and Brunei should tap potentials for cooperation on such areas as trade and economy, investment and culture to benefit the two countries and their peoples.

Li also encouraged Brunei to carry out communications and cooperation with China's central and western regions.

"The lifting of bilateral ties to strategic cooperation will provide fresh energy and more opportunity for future cooperation and development of the two sides," said Li.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hassanal agreed to nurture their relations at a higher "strategic" and "cooperative" level during their talks earlier Friday.

Hailing the China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relations, Li expressed hope that Brunei, which holds the ASEAN's rotating presidency in 2013, can work with China and the ASEAN to focus on cooperation and development, properly address the South China Sea issue and boost China-ASEAN relations.

Hassanal appreciated China's contribution to regional growth and development, saying Brunei has benefited from China's development.

Brunei hoped to further deepen cooperation with China and jointly lift China-ASEAN relations to a higher level, said Hassanal.