BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledged on Thursday to boost strategic cooperation and deepen friendship between his country and Brunei.

China and Brunei, both at a critical stage of development, have huge potential for cooperation, Li said at a welcome banquet hosted by Bruneian Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

China stands ready to keep close contacts and join hands with Brunei to promote prosperity, stability and development of the two countries and the region at large, he said.

Li spoke highly of the Bruneian royal family's contributions to advancing China-Brunei relations.

He also appreciated Brunei's efforts in boosting China-ASEAN ties as ASEAN's rotating presidency.

For his part, the Bruneian sultan said China's development benefits not only the people of the two countries, but also the region as a whole.

Brunei is ready to work with China for further development of Brunei-China and ASEAN-China relations.

The Chinese premier arrived here on Wednesday to attend the ongoing series of East Asian leaders' meetings and visit the country, the first leg of his maiden Southeast Asia tour since taking office in March.

The trip will also take him to Thailand and Vietnam.