President Hu starts visit to Brunei
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-04-20 16:46

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Wednesday that his two-day state visit to Brunei would promote the development of good-neighborly relations and friendly cooperation between China and the Southeast Asian country.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the Brunei International Airport, Hu said that China and Brunei are "friendly neighbors on the opposite shores of the sea," and the traditional friendship between the peoples of the two countries dates back to ancient times.

"Over the past 14 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Brunei ties have developed on all fronts," the Chinese president said.

"Our political mutual trust has strengthened, cooperation in various fields has scored notable achievements, personnel contacts have become more frequent and we have maintained sound coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs," he said.

Hu said that the development of China-Brunei relations has not only brought about tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries, but also contributed to peace and stability in the region.

"Upholding the diplomacy of building good-neighborly relationships and partnerships with our neighbors, China attaches great importance to developing relations with Brunei," he said.

The Chinese president said that he is sure that his visit will enhance mutual understanding and trust and promote the all-round and in-depth development of good-neighborly relations and friendly cooperation between China and Brunei.

During his stay in Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei, Hu is expected to meet leaders of Brunei to discuss further promotion of bilateral relations, and exchange views on regional and world issues of common interest.

Brunei is the first leg of Hu Jintao's three-nation Southeast Asia trip. He will also visit Indonesia and the Philippines.

In Indonesia, Hu will attend the Asian-African Summit 2005 scheduled for April 22-23 in Jakarta, and take part together with other Asian and African leaders in the commemoration of 50th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference in Bandung on April 24.