On October 23, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met at the Great Hall of the People with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah who is here to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be held on Oct. 24 to 25.

Hu pointed out that China and Brunei have maintained friendly relations for generations and share a profound traditional friendship. He said since China and Brunei established diplomatic relations17 years ago, the bilateral relations have been greatly improved, and the two countries had maintained good communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. He said China was willing to further cooperate with Brunei in terms of transport, communications, energy, agriculture, infrastructure construction and tourism in order to promote Sino-Bruneian relations to a new stage. As Asia's coordinator, Brunei has undertaken a large amount of work in the preparations for the meeting and has given strong support to China’s hosting the meeting, Hu said, adding that China was willing to continue to cooperate with Brunei to achieve the meeting's success.

Hassanal Bolkiah said during the meeting that he was glad that the two sides maintained good relations and close cooperation. He hoped the two countries could enhance cooperation in terms of rice production and energy development. He said the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is held at a crucial time. As Asia's coordinator, Brunei was willing to contribute to the meeting's success.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.