H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith

Prime Minister of the Chair of ASEAN and the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Vientiane

On the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between the People's Republic of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), I would like to convey, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, warm congratulations and cordial wishes to Your Excellency and, through you, to the governments and people of the ASEAN member states.

ASEAN and China are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. Since the establishment of dialogue relations 25 years ago, the two sides have all along enjoyed mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual support. China-ASEAN relations have stood various tests and our cooperation has achieved fruitful results. This has not only brought tangible benefitsto people of the two sides, but also set a model of pursuing common development on the basis of equality among countries different in size. China congratulates ASEAN on the formal establishment of ASEAN Community, and welcomes a peace-loving, economically growing and dynamic ASEAN that plays a bigger role in regional and international affairs. China regards ASEAN as the priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and will continue to support the ASEAN integration process and ASEAN's centrality in regional cooperation. China wishes toworkeven closer with ASEAN to move China-ASEAN relations to a higher plane and make greater contribution to peace, stability and prosperity of this region and beyond.

May China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation go from strength to strength!

May the friendship between people of the two sides be everlasting!

Li Keqiang

Premier of the State Council

The People's Republic of China