Chinese president’s Southeast Asia tour to boost ties

Chinese president’s maiden visit to Southeast Asia in October will hold significance to deepen China-Indonesia, China-Malaysia relations as well as ties between China and the Asean, vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said Sunday.

Liu made the remarks at a press briefing about Xi Jingpin’s state visits to Indonesia, Malaysia and his attendance of the 21st leaders’ meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Indonesia’s Bali from Oct 2 to 8.

The minister said, the visit of Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China, will further consolidate neighbourly relationship with the two countries, promote all round cooperation and outline future ties.

During his stay in Indonesia, Xi will hold talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and attend a luncheon of the business community, and meet with vice President Boediono and parliamentary leaders, Liu said.

Xi will deliver a speech at Indonesia’s House of Representatives and elaborate on China’s vision to promote bilateral ties and China-ASEAN relations as well as China’s peaceful development, Liu said.

In Malaysia, Xi will meet with Supreme Head of State Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and hold talks with Prime Minister Najib Razak and attend high-level forum of economic cooperation, Liu said.

China will sign a series of documents on cooperation in trade, aerospace, science and fishery with Indonesia and Malaysia.