NEW YORK, Sept 22 (NNN-XINHUA) – Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, met here with Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly, on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.
Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ambassadorial diplomatic relations between China and Britain, Wang said, in the face of complex and grave challenges in today’s world, the two countries, both as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should focus on mutually beneficial cooperation, and should avoid conflict.
A sound China-Britain relationship is based upon mutual respect, with objective understanding as the prerequisite, and proper handling of differences as the key, Wang said.
He said, he hopes that Britain’s new government will view China and China-Britain relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and work together with China in the same direction, adding that, he hopes the two sides can treat each other as equals, steer clear of interference, and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to advance bilateral relationship along the right track.
For his part, Cleverly noted that China, a major country with global influence, shoulders important responsibilities and plays an important role in the UN.
Britain is committed to establishing mutually beneficial and effective relations with China, helping both sides achieve growth, and promoting peace and security, so as to benefit the people of both countries, he said.
Noting that Britain appreciates China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation, Cleverly said, at a time full of challenges, the two countries should look to the future of mankind, focus on addressing common challenges, and strengthen cooperation in such areas as climate change.
Britain stands ready to maintain open dialogue and exchanges with China, so as to create conditions for further cooperation between the two sides, he added.– NNN-XINHUA
