Hanoi (VNA) – China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to intensify their cooperation in order to meet serious challenges posed by rising oil and food prices, the slowdown of world economy, the depreciation of the USD, rising trade protectionism and natural disasters.
During the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting in Singapore on July 23, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said that China is willing to conduct high- level dialogue with ASEAN member countries and exchange views on bilateral and major international issues, adding that China has decided to send an ambassador to ASEAN.
Xinhua News Agency quoted FM Yang as saying China will work closely with ASEAN to speed up the establishment of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area.
Besides, China and ASEAN have identified environmental protection as a key area of cooperation, FM Yang said.
China, he added, will strengthen its cooperation with ASEAN in implementing the Mekong Basin development programmes and projects within various frameworks such as Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Enditem
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