Hu: China a 'good neighbour' of ASEAN
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-27 05:48

China is a "good neighbour, friend and partner" of ASEAN, President Hu Jintao told visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) talks with visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 26, 2005. [Xinhua]

"We are ready to enhance communication and co-ordination with ASEAN members, in an effort to push forward the construction of the China-ASEAN free trade area and East Asia regional co-operation," he said.

Lee was in Beijing on his first China trip since he took office last year.

Hu also said China attaches importance to the first East Asia Summit, respects the consensus reached by ASEAN members and supports ASEAN's leading role in the summit.

The inaugural East Asia Summit will be held in Malaysia in December, when ASEAN members will meet China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Hu spoke highly of the growth of China-Singapore relations.

Some 15 years after China and Singapore forged diplomatic ties, Hu said, bilateral relations still see healthy and fast growth thanks to efforts made by both sides.

The Chinese economy is compatible with the Singaporean economy, so the mutually beneficial co-operation complies with the fundamental interests of the two countries, Hu said.

Lee said the enhancement of bilateral co-operation is in the interest of the two countries and conducive to regional stability and development.

(China Daily 10/27/2005 page1)