On January 14, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Wang Yi said, China-ASEAN relations are the most vibrant and fruitful among ASEAN's relations with all its dialogue partners, and have grown into a crucial pillar of regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity. China appreciates the key contribution made by the ASEAN Secretariat to advancing China-ASEAN relations and anti-pandemic cooperation. Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, he hopes that both sides could capture this opportunity to launch serial celebratory events, well implement the five-year action plan, elevate the China-ASEAN relations and cultivate a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Wang Yi said, China stands ready to improve the level of public health cooperation with ASEAN, engage in vaccine cooperation with more ASEAN countries, jointly forge the Blue Economy Partnership, work together to offer a Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation, and step up cooperation in digital economy, people-to-people exchanges and other fields. China will continue to support the work of the Secretariat, grow stronger the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund, adhere to the centrality of ASEAN and stand firmly with ASEAN.
Lim Jock Hoi said, ASEAN-China relations are of great significance to ASEAN. He thanks China for its strong support to ASEAN's fight against COVID-19, and hopes both sides could seize the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN-China dialogue relations to further elevate such relations. This year, ASEAN will focus on poverty alleviation, disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as sustainable development, and is willing to strengthen cooperation and capacity building with China in relevant fields to help achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ASEAN is committed to maintaining a free, open and rules-based free trade system, and supports member states in deepening cooperation with China to accelerate regional economic recovery.