Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar on Friday in Kuala Lumpur described the relationship between ASEAN and China as "practical and pragmatic," saying their cooperation has "contributed to the regional peace, security and prosperity."

Briefing a press conference here, Hamid said relationship between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China sets "a good model of bilateral relations between ASEAN and its dialogue partners," and ASEAN ministers believe the ties with China are "more active and practical as compared to other dialogue partners."

Hamid, who attended the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and ASEAN- China Ministerial Meeting in the morning, told reporters Friday afternoon that almost three quarters of the programs between ASEAN and China have been implemented. "The relations are very practical and pragmatic," he noted.

He said that during the morning meeting, China proposed five new additional priority areas for cooperation -- transportation, energy, tourism, culture and public health -- which were very much welcomed by ASEAN.

To commemorate 15 years of cooperation between ASEAN and China, the ministers proposed to focus on the need for people-to-people contacts, especially among the young citizens, Hamid said, adding that they have also recommended the establishment of a center for Asia and China studies in Vietnam, and an ASEAN-China foundation to deepen their relations and promote comprehensive social and cultural activities.

Malaysia will host the 11th ASEAN Summit and related summits on Dec. 12-14, and ministers from the ASEAN and some of its dialogue partners met on Dec. 9-11 to make preparations.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, Russia and New Zealand are among its dialogue partners.

Source: Xinhua