Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan met with leaders of ASEAN countries who are to attend the fifth China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Expo in Nanning on Tuesday.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan (C) visits a exhibit hall of the forthcoming Fifth China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on October 21, 2008. [Xinhua]

Wang exchanged views on issues of bilateral relations and mutual concerns in his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Myanmar Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and Laos Vice President Boungnang Volachit.

Wang said the friendly relations between China and the ASEAN countries have been greatly developed, mutual political trust have been enhanced and beneficial cooperation in economic, trade and investment have deepened. "We have cooperated well in regional and international affairs and we are good neighbors, good friends and good partners," he said.

Wang said China will work together with the ASEAN countries to advance bilateral cooperation and contribute to the regional prosperity and stability, particularly in time of global financial fluctuations.

The ASEAN leaders spoke highly of the role of the Expo in promoting exchanges between China and ASEAN countries. The leaders said they look forward to more collaboration with China in the future.

The expo is scheduled between October 22-23.

(Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2008)