China is willing to start negotiations with Singapore on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), said Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi on Friday.

Wu made the remark when holding talks with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng. The two also co-chaired the third meeting of the China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation on Friday.

Wu said China is willing to start the FTA negotiations with Singapore on the basis of the framework of the FTA between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Wong hailed the start of China-Singapore FTA negotiation, saying it will raise bilateral cooperation to a higher strategic level which will also promote the China-ASEAN FTA negotiation process.

China and Singapore relations have developed well, with frequent high-level visits and vigorous exchanges at all levels.

Wu said the two sides have made remarkable achievements in high-tech, Singapore's participation in China's regional development and exchanges and training of personnel.

She noted that the joint council is the top mechanism for bilateral cooperation and China is ready to make full use of the mechanism to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Wong said a strong and successful China is beneficial to Singapore and the whole region, adding Singapore supports China's peaceful development strategy and will actively participate in China's regional development.

After the talks, Wu and Wong attended the ceremony of the signing of a cultural cooperation agreement between the two governments.

Wong is paying an official visit to China from Aug. 21 to 27 at the invitation of Wu.

Source: Xinhua