In the Lao capital of Vientiane, leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, have met with their East Asian counterparts.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (4th L), Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (5th L) and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (4th R) cut a commemorative cake as they attend a ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, in Vientiane, Laos, Sept. 7, 2016.

They are trying to hammer out critical issues affecting security. They also discussed advancing a critical free trade deal. But it was a particularly special day for China and ASEAN, as the two parties marked 25 years of dialogue partnership that has seen trust and improved trade growth. Rian Maelzer reports from Vientiane, Laos.

Both host Laos’ prime minister and Chinese premier Li Keqiang expressed the belief those those ties would broaden and deepen in the years ahead.

Li said, “In the future, the relationship between China and ASEAN has great prospects. China is still an important partner for ASEAN in maintaining peace and stability in the region, and in encouraging the regional integration, as well as a global role for the region.” Leaders of China, South Korea and Japan also sat down with ASEAN leaders. And despite tensions between the parties over several issues, they all remain on side for speedily concluding a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or R-CEP with their ASEAN neighbours. 

Source:CCTV NEWS