Premier Li Keqiang will attend the annual East Asia leaders’ meetings in Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia and pay an official visit to Malaysia from Nov 20 to 23.

“China’s attendance to the meeting is important for deepening its relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and promoting the East Asian cooperation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a press briefing on Nov 13.

Premier Li will attend the 18th leaders’ meeting between China and ASEAN; the 18th ASEAN-China, Japan and Republic of Korea leaders’ meeting; and the 10th East Asia Summit, according to Hong.

The Premier will also pay an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Najib Tun Razak.

“China hopes the series of meetings could focus on regional development and cooperation, and promote regional economic growth and financial stability,” Hong said.

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations. Hong said China also hoped the upcoming meetings could map out a future plan for bilateral relations, push forward construction of the maritime silk road and strengthen their comprehensive cooperation under the 2+7 cooperation framework.

The 2+7 cooperation framework was proposed by Premier Li during his attendance to the ASEAN Summit in Brunei Darussalam in 2013. The framework, which includes two consensus and seven cooperation points, serves as a momentum for the cooperation between China and ASEAN.

With regard to Premier Li’s official visit to Malaysia, the first one since he took office, Hong said the Premier will hold talks with Najib, discussing the bilateral relations and issues of common concern, and will contact all circles to promote the bilateral friendship.

Hong noted the visit would further enhance the strategic mutual trust between China and Malaysia and push forward their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new high.