China and Brunei issued a joint communique Friday, pledging to deepen relations and boost cooperation in all areas.

The two countries reiterated their mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, according to the communique.

Brunei reiterated that it will continue to adhere to the one China policy and support the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait and the peaceful reunification of China, the communique said.

The two countries agreed to establish a relationship of strategic cooperation in a bid to promote the peace, stability and prosperity of the two countries and the region at large, it said.

The two sides agreed to further boost economic, trade cooperation and carry out close cooperation in transportation, telecommunications, infrastructure construction and finance, it said.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation and communication in energy, agriculture, security, healthcare, culture, sports, education, tourism, religion, personnel exchanges and various other areas.

China extended congratulation to Brunei on assuming the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2013, and pledged full support for Brunei in hosting a series of important meetings, the communique said.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitments to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and urged all relevant parties to continue to exercise self-restraint, deepen mutual trust and strengthen cooperation, according to the communique.

They underscored the importance of resolving territorial and jurisdictional disputes through peaceful dialogue and consultation by sovereign states directly involved in accordance with universally recognized principles of international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it said.

The two sides hope the countries concerned will further carry out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and make efforts toward drawing up "a code of conduct in the South China Sea," it said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2013)