Chinese, Bruneian leaders praise bilateral cooperation

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Bruneian Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said Sunday the two countries' cooperation is fruitful and conducive to regional stability and prosperity. Addressing a welcoming banquet hosted by Hassanal Bolkiah, Wen expressed his heart-felt congratulations on the achievements made by the Bruneian people in their nation's development. China and Brunei share a long history of friendship, said Wen. Ever since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1991, the two countries have expanded cooperation in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples and pushing forward regional stability and prosperity, he added. The Chinese premier called for joint efforts from both sides to carry on their traditional friendship, strengthen cooperation and strive for a better future for China-Brunei relations. For his part, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said exchanges between Brunei and China can be dated back to over 1,000 years ago. In the past two decades, peoples of the two countries have further enhanced their mutual understanding and made fruitful achievements in bilateral cooperation, he noted. Hassanal Bolkiah said Brunei would like to join hands with China to develop and expand their traditional friendship, learn from each other, deepen cooperation and seek common development. The Chinese premier, who arrived here Sunday for a visit to Brunei after attending a series of East Asian summit meetings in Indonesia, also held talks with Brunei's royal family members before the banquet.