Singapore urged to take positive role in Sino-ASEAN ties

World
Europe

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called on Singapore to take a constructive role in promoting China-ASEAN relations, contributing to regional cooperation, peace, stability and prosperity.

Li made the remarks when he met Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday in Beijing.

"This year is the 40th anniversary of the launch of (China's) reform and opening-up. It is also the year that marks the start of ASEAN's second 50 years and the year of the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and ASEAN," the premier said.

"We should jointly deepen cooperation in key projects and key areas such as infrastructure, inter-operability and finance. China will continue to promote its reform and opening up drive, firmly maintain the global free trade system, and build a community of common interests and a community of common destiny for mankind with the ASEAN countries."

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang talks with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a signing ceremony at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, April 8, 2018. /Reuters Photo

Lee said as the rotating president of ASEAN, Singapore will actively promote Singapore-China relations and seek new progress in all aspects of ASEAN-China relations.

"Trade is the foundation of Singapore," he said. "We support the multilateral trading system, support trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and support international order which is based on rules."

4km