Foreign and Military Affairs

China-ASEAN relations at historical point: FM

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-25 13:53
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KUNMING - China-ASEAN relations are at a historical point to carry on the legacy of the past and move forward, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Tuesday.

Yang made the remarks at a foreign ministers' meeting between China and ASEAN countries in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province.

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With the adoption of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity in 2010, connectivity has become a major theme for China-ASEAN cooperation, he said.

"It has special significance to organize a group inspection for the ASEAN foreign ministers of the Kunming-Bangkok Highway and hold the first China-ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in China," Yang said.

Thai Foreign Minister, also coordinator for the meeting, Kasit Piromya, thanked the Chinese government's hospitality, saying he was impressed by the quality of the Kunming-Bangkok road.

The two sides will hold a series of activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of dialogue, he said.

The ASEAN diplomats are gathering in Kunming to exchange views on their 20th anniversary of dialogue, China-ASEAN free trade zone and cooperation of East Asia.