BEIJING, Aug 19 (NNN-XINHUA) – Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, yesterday had a phone conversation with Haji Erywan, special envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to Myanmar, and Brunei’s second minister of foreign affairs, over ties and the situation in Myanmar.
Wang expressed his appreciation for Brunei’s contribution to the development of China-ASEAN relations, as the rotating chair of ASEAN, and thanked Brunei for its support in elevating the position of China-ASEAN relations.
He said, he hoped that Brunei will continue to play a positive role, to ensure that a commemorative meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN will be successful.
Noting that Sept marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Brunei, Wang expressed his hope that, the two sides will take this opportunity to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen the Belt and Road cooperation, and push for new development of China-Brunei strategic cooperation.
Anti-pandemic cooperation remains a top priority currently, Wang said, adding, China attaches great importance to needs of Brunei, will send a batch of vaccines to Brunei and deliver them as soon as possible.
Both China and ASEAN countries are friends of Myanmar and hope that Myanmar will achieve peace and stability, Wang said, after listening to Erywan’s views on the current situation in Myanmar.
Noting that China welcomes the appointment of Erywan as ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar, Wang expressed his belief that Erywan can uphold the ASEAN way and play a unique role, in accordance with the five-point consensus reached in Apr by ASEAN leaders, regarding the situation in Myanmar, to help different parties in Myanmar find a political solution within the constitutional framework through dialogue.
Wang said, China has the following suggestions: First, deal with all parties in Myanmar in a rational and pragmatic manner and gradually build trust; Second, give top priority to helping Myanmar in its fight against COVID-19, and ensure the accessibility and effectiveness of such assistance; Third, remain patient and determined, stick to the direction of promoting peace talks, return government to the people in an orderly manner, and restart the democratic process, which not only serves the interests of Myanmar but also meets the expectations of the international community; Fourth, stay vigilant against and oppose interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs by extraterritorial forces, and earnestly respect Myanmar’s sovereignty and the choice of its people.
For his part, Erywan thanked China for its continuous assistance of medical supplies and vaccines to Brunei, when Brunei is confronting a new wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
He hopes that the two countries can mark the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as a milestone, to give full play to the role of the China-Brunei intergovernmental joint steering committee, and further deepen cooperation in various fields, such as energy, agriculture and fishery.
Myanmar is an important member of the ASEAN family, Erywan noted, adding that, as ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar, he will be dedicated to pushing forward the implementation of the five-point consensus, advancing dialogue among relevant parties in the ASEAN way, stopping violence, promoting inclusiveness, and helping Myanmar better fulfill its commitments to the international community.
ASEAN appreciates and supports China’s continuous crucial role in the Myanmar issue, and is willing to strengthen coordination and carry out cooperation with China, he said.– NNN-XINHUA
