Mission of China to ASEAN inaugurated in Jakarta

The inauguration ceremony of the mission of the People's Republic of China to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened here Thursday, in a bid to promote and strengthen the strategic relationship between China and ASEAN.

Some 400 guests, including local officials, members of diplomats, and representatives of local businesses and Chinese communities attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Yang Xiuping said the mission would serve as bridge of communication, linkage of cooperation and messenger of friendship, and spare no efforts to promote the development of China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

"China and ASEAN countries are connected by common mountains and waters. China attaches great importance to its relations with ASEAN. We will firmly support the ASEAN community building, support ASEAN's leading role in East Asia cooperation." Yang said.

The ambassador emphasized that the comprehensive cooperation between China and ASEAN would not only give a strong boost to the social and economic development and bring tangible benefits to the peoples, but also make significant contribution to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large.

Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of ASEAN, said in a message of congratulation that since the establishment of dialogue partnership between ASEAN and China in 1991, the two sides had made significant and effective cooperation.

"ASEAN says highly of China's support for the ASEAN community building, I hope ASEAN and China can further strengthen cooperation." Surin added.

The Secretary General said he was confident the two sides could continue to be good neighborhood, good friends and good partners, and work together to face the political, security and economic challenges and push forward the strategic partnership between ASEAN and China.

During the 14th China-ASEAN summit which commemorated the 20th anniversary of dialogue relationship between China and ASEAN in November 2011 in Bali, Indonesia, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced that China will set up diplomatic mission and send resident Ambassador to ASEAN in 2012. Yang, the first resident ambassador to ASEAN, presented the Letter of Credence to Surin on August 6th this year.