BEIJING, Oct. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- President Xi Jinping has held a joint interview with several well-known newspapers from Indonesia and Malaysia, ahead of his visit to Southeast Asia for the APEC economic leaders meeting.

When asked about China’s relations with Indonesia, Xi said the trip was aimed at laying the blueprint for greater cooperation between the two nations in future. He added that he hopes the countries’ partnership will reach a higher level.

As to China-Malaysia relations, Xi said he looks forward to discussing overall bilateral ties with his counterpart, with the aim of building a stable framework for cooperation. President Xi said China places a priority on its relationship with all neighboring countries, including those in the ASEAN bloc. He said he wanted to increase mutual confidence between China and ASEAN countries, and expand their free trade zone.

As to the upcoming 21st APEC economic leaders’ meeting in Bali, the Chinese president said the Asia-Pacific region should take the lead in the global economic recovery. He added that China’s continuous development will help further boost the region. He expects the APEC meeting to build support for multi-lateral trade and to coordinate regional free trade. President Xi noted that China fully supports and participates in the Asia-Pacific’s economic integration.

Finally, Xi emphasized that China maintains a peaceful development path. And he said China and ASEAN and APEC countries and regions will benefit from cooperation.

(Source: CNTV.cn)