Cooperation among neighboring countries is not short-term, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday, calling for more efforts to upgrade beneficial cooperation and deliver more benefits to people from China and its neighbors. 

The minister, who made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with diplomatic envoys from other Asian countries, stressed equality among all countries regardless of their size. Each country is an equal member of the international community and entitled to equal participation in international affairs, he said.

In the face of complex and changeable international situations, Wang suggested that Asian nations uphold multilateralism and jointly safeguard the basic norms governing international relations. 

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wang said his country broke new ground on the diplomatic front seven decades ago. 

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which was jointly initiated by China, India and Myanmar, has contributed to the building of a new type of just and equitable international relations since World War Two, Wang said. 

He said thanks to reform, China's pursuit of friendship and partnership with its neighbors, building a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous neighborhood, has promoted friendly cooperation between China and neighboring countries. 

The minister also noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping's diplomatic principles on China's policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness toward its neighbors is in line with the shared interests of Asian countries.