The head of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) says closer links with China are important to the region's future.

"Further development of China-ASEAN relations is conducive to the east Asian region's stability and economic prosperity," ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said here Thursday, a day after China and ASEAN nations reached an agreement on resolving territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

A series of foreign ministers' meetings concerning the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum were held here Thursday.

During an interview with Xinhua, Surin said both China and ASEAN were important economies in Asia, adding "ASEAN hopes to participate in China's rapid economic development, and play a role in the supply chain for the development."

He said ASEAN would celebrate the 20th anniversary of its dialogue partnership with China at the end of this year.

China and ASEAN nations reached an agreement Wednesday on guidelines for implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Surin said the agreement was of historic significance, displayed spirit of cooperation, and reflected the determination of China and ASEAN member states to settle differences and resolve misunderstandings or potential misunderstandings peacefully.

"This makes a leap forward between us," he said, "And it is a good foundation for our cooperation for the third decade of our cooperation."

Surin said ASEAN itself was not a party in the South China Sea disputes, and the bloc, as a collective, hoped all parties concerned could solve their rifts in a peaceful way.