His Excellency Mr. Lee Hsien Loong

Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore and ASEAN Chair

Singapore

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people and in my own name, warm congratulations to Your Excellency, and though you, to the government and people of ASEAN countries.

Over the past forty years, ASEAN has endeavored to promote economic, social and cultural progress of its member countries, uphold peace and stability in Southeast Asia, and advocate and advance cooperation in East Asia and made important progress in these areas. Looking to the future, we are fully confident that ASEAN will remain united, open, dynamic and resilient. I sincerely wish ASEAN great success in achieving its vision of "ASEAN Community" by 2015, in the security, economic and socio-cultural pillars, and I am sure this will bring even greater benefits to the people of ASEAN countries.

As a good neighbor, close partner and dear friend of ASEAN, China remains committed to fostering friendship and partnership and partnerships with its neighbors, deepening cooperation in our region, and supporting ASEAN integration and its leading role in advancing regional cooperation. China will work with ASEAN to upgrade all-round cooperation, and contribute to the building of a peaceful, all-win and harmonious Asia.

                                                                                                                           Wen Jiabao

                                                                                                              Premier of the STATE Council

                                                                                                             of the People's Republic of China

                                                                                                                      Beijing, 8 August 2007