Bandar Seri Begawan，April 20 (AseanAll)  — On 19th April,  Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Xiao Jianguo met with Hajah Johariah, ASEAN SOM leader and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei.

Xiao Jianguo spoke highly of the contributions of Brunei in promoting China-ASEAN relations as the rotating chair of ASEAN, and reiterated that ASEAN always ranks a high priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy, and China firmly supports ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation. China hopes Brunei, as an important member of ASEAN, will continue to play a positive and constructive role in China-ASEAN cooperation. China stands ready to strengthen communication with Brunei to jointly push for new development of China-ASEAN relations and bring more benefits to the countries and people in the region..

Hajah Johariah welcomed Ambassador Xiao to assume the post, appreciated China’s efforts and contributions to the development of regional countries, and said that it is a pleasure to see ASEAN-China relations elevated to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership when Brunei assumed the rotating chair of ASEAN. Bruneian side wishes to keep communication and strengthen coordination with Chinese side, to promote the development of ASEAN-China relations and maintain peace and stability of the region.

The two sides exchanged views on the regional and international issues of common concern.