Chinese President Xi Jinping's maiden trip to Southeast Asia and his participation at a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) strengthened bilateral ties and regional cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (1st row, 5th L) poses for a group photo with other leaders before attending the 21st informal economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Bali, Indonesia, Oct. 8, 2013. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Wang made the remarks after Xi concluded state visits to Indonesia and Malaysia earlier in the day, during which the Chinese president also attended the 21st informal economic leaders' meeting of APEC on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

As a major developing country and important emerging market economy, Indonesia is the largest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia, an important ASEAN nation, is China's largest trading partner within the organization.

Cooperation between China and the two ASEAN countries holds great potential, Wang said, adding that it is a natural choice for both sides to lift bilateral ties under the new circumstances.

During the visits, Xi held candid talks with his counterparts of the two Southeast Asian countries, which helped deepen mutual understanding, friendship and trust between the leaders, Wang said.