Xi calls for new chapter in China-Brunei ties

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Brunei to jointly write a new chapter of bilateral relations in a signed article published on Brunei's media Saturday, ahead of his visit to the Southeast Asian country.

The article, titled "Jointly Write a New Chapter of China-Brunei Relations," was published in four newspapers in Brunei, namely The Borneo Bulletin, See Hua Daily News, United Daily News and Sin Chew Daily.

President Xi recalled the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1991 and the establishment of strategic cooperative relationship in 2013, and hailed bilateral ties has been "as good as ever."

Brunei has warmly responded to and strongly supported the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) . "Our two sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build synergy between the BRI and Brunei Vision 2035, lending fresh impetus to our bilateral relations," said Xi.

He praised the growing economic and trade cooperation between the two sides, saying China has become one of Brunei's most important partners.

Two flagship projects, the Hengyi Petrochemical Project on Pulau Muara Besar and the Guangxi-Brunei Economic Corridor, are making good progress, Xi noted.

Xi said Chinese companies are actively involved in infrastructure development in Brunei, citing the Pulau Muara Besar Bridge, the Telisai-Lumut Highway and the Ulu Tutong Dam.

"These projects have improved local connectivity and become shining 'brand names' of China in Brunei," Xi commented.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up and the fifth anniversary of the BRI.

"Remaining firmly committed to the policy of opening-up, China will promote substantive, results-oriented cooperation under the BRI and deliver greater benefits to the people in BRI partner countries," Xi said.

Xi went on saying that the two countries need to build stronger synergy between their national development strategies.

"China will continue to assist Brunei in economic diversification, ensure the success of key cooperation projects and explore with Brunei possible cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, fishery, e-commerce, maritime and other fields," said Xi.

In order to develop an even stronger relationship, President Xi called on the two countries to enhance mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs.

(Cover: File photo)