China inaugurated its Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta , Indonesia to strengthen its ties with the bloc, the ASEAN Secretariat said on October 1.

In his statement read out by Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN Bagas Hapsoro, to welcome the Chinese Mission to ASEAN, the bloc’s Secretary-General, Surin Pitsuwan, said the launch of the Mission further demonstrates the commitment of China to remain good neighbours, good friends, and good partners to address common challenges in a mutually beneficial manner to further advance the Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and China.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Yang Xiuping said the comprehensive cooperation between her country and ASEAN will not only further promote socio-economic development of the two sides but also contribute significantly to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world as a whole.

Yang added that the Mission to ASEAN will serve as a bridge of communication and messenger of friendship to promote the development of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership.-VNA