Chinese premier eyes closer ties with Singapore

MILAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called on joint efforts with Singapore to boost ties with the southeastern Asian country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole.

Li made the remarks while meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the two-day 10th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit.

China attaches great importance to its ties with Singapore, Li said, adding bilateral relations face important opportunities and broad prospects, as the two countries will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic ties next year.

China hopes to maintain the unique ties with Singapore, enhance substantial cooperation, expand common interests, seek new pivotal projects and cultivate new cooperation highlights, he said.

Li expected a fruitful annual meeting of China-Singapore bilateral cooperation mechanism to be held later this month, saying he welcomes Singapore to participate in the development of China's western regions.

China's strategic partnership with ASEAN have entered the second decade, and China always attaches great importance to its ties with ASEAN, he said.

As Singapore will be the coordinator between China and ASEAN next year, Li said China hopes to keep close coordination with the country to achieve new progress of China-ASEAN ties.

Praising China's development achievements, Lee said Singapore-China relations face new opportunities.

Singapore hopes to work closely with China to implement bilateral cooperation program, expand cooperation with China's central and western regions, facilitate coordination in such areas as logistics, investment and green development, so as to promote regional connectivity and sustainable development, he said.

The Chinese premier will wrap up his three-nation Europe trip later on Friday and leaves for home.