NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR: His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend the 17th ASEAN-China Summit and the 17th ASEAN+3 Summit, Brudirect reported.
In his titah at the ASEAN-China Summit, the Monarch lauded the comprehensive expansion of ASEAN dialogue relations with China over the years, and becomes one of the most important areas of cooperation for regional development.
As an active partner and very close friend, ASEAN has always valued the contributions and support by China and hope to continue for mutual benefit.
His Majesty further stated that historically, ASEAN and China’s relations have been built on trade, through both maritime and land routes.
The interactions between ASEAN and China’s peoples have enabled them not only to exchange goods, but also knowledge, culture and traditions.
It is therefore important that ASEAN and China’s peoples maintain their close friendship in order to enhance the already strong trust and mutual understanding.
That is why the Monarch is pleased that many activities were held in support of people-to-people exchanges as ASEAN and China commemorate this year as the ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year.
The Monarch recalled that last year in Bandar Seri Begawan, His Excellency Premier Li proposed initiatives that would take the ASEAN-China economic cooperation to the next level.
Therefore, upgrading ASEAN-China’s free trade agreement and the signing of the MOU to establish the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are indeed significant for the region.
His Majesty was confident that both the trade agreement and the role to be played by the AIIB will further enhance ASEAN and China’s connectivity, dynamism and attractiveness for business and investment.
However, the Monarch reminded that in all that we do, we must ensure that peace and security continue to be enjoyed by the people of the region.
It is therefore important that ASEAN and China’s officials continue working closely to identify common areas that ASEAN and China can implement together such as the direct communication link and search and rescue at sea.
At the same time, ASEAN and China should also continue to implement the commitment to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
At the end of the titah, His Majesty also welcomed the proposal for ASEAN and China’s officials to look into the Treaty of Friendship and Good Neighbourliness. These initiatives will reflect ASEAN and China’s joint commitment to ensure long term trust and confidence in one another.