On the afternoon of September 13, 2017, Premier Li Keqiang met at the Great Hall of the People with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, who was in China for a state visit.
Li Keqiang expressed that China and Brunei have always respected, equally treated each other, and enjoyed sound development momentum of bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic relations 26 years ago. President Xi Jinping held successful talks with you, comprehensively mapping out the future development of bilateral relations. China stands ready to, together with Brunei, consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy resource, finance, science, technology and other fields, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges and advance development of regional economic integration, in a bid to better benefit peoples of the two countries and the region.
Commending Brunei's constructive role in promoting the development of relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Li Keqiang said that ASEAN is the priority of China's diplomacy with neighboring countries. 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral strategic partnership, and China will continue to staunchly support the construction of ASEAN community, support the ASEAN's central role in regional cooperation and stands ready to better integrate the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of the ASEAN, so as to jointly facilitate the series of Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation to be held within this year for more outcomes serving the interests of regional stability, cooperation and prosperity.
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed that Brunei and China enjoy profound traditional friendship and are partners with mutual respect and trust. Brunei attaches great importance to developing its relations with China and is willing to further expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Brunei appreciates China's position on supporting the development of ASEAN and enhancing relations and cooperation with ASEAN. It is believed that the new round of ASEAN-China Leaders' Meetings will cement and boost ASEAN-China relations and cooperation for greater development.