Non-government organizations of China and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday signed a declaration vowing to step up people-to-people cooperation.

"The declaration manifests the common aspiration of these organizations and enhances their friendship," said Gu Xiulian, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress.

The declaration says non-government organizations will step up contacts and exchanges, hold culture promotion activities and enhance trade and investment cooperation between China and the ASEAN nations.

The declaration was signed after the one-day meeting between the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and ten non-government ASEAN organizations.

The meeting discussed how to play positive roles in promoting political trust, trade, culture and local cooperation of China-ASEAN partnership.

"Non-government organizations serve as an important platform to develop China-ASEAN ties and play an irreplaceable role in promoting all-round cooperation," Gu said.

"We would like to step up people exchanges through non-government organizations and enhance social, economic and cultural cooperation, which will lay a solid foundation for China-ASEAN strategic partnership," Gu said.

Source: Xinhua