BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - China and Brunei said Friday that they are content with their ongoing energy cooperation and will encourage closer joint exploration and exploitation of maritime oil and gas resources.

The two countries expressed their satisfaction in a joint statement released after talks between visiting Premier Li Keqiang and Bruneian Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Particularly, the two sides welcomed the recent signing of a deal between China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Brunei National Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad on establishing a joint venture on oil field services.

The two leaders added that they encourage their officials to study other aspects of joint exploration and exploitation of maritime oil and gas resources by relevant enterprises of the two countries in line with the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

In the document, the two sides recognized each other as a close cooperation partner, saying they are committed to pursuing common development and prosperity.

They also underscored the importance of resolving territorial and jurisdictional disputes through peaceful dialogue and consultations by sovereign states directly concerned.