Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed further cooperation to promote bilateral relations on Friday during separate phone talks with Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum and Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Nabeela Tunis.

Noting that Algeria is the first Arab country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Wang said China is ready to work with the Algerian side to formulate a new five-year plan for comprehensive strategic cooperation through consultation, coordinate efforts to advance anti-epidemic cooperation and resume key projects in an orderly manner, and continuously deepen joint construction of the Belt and Road, so as to create a new milestone in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

For the time being, the global epidemic situation remains grim, Wang told the Sierra Leone foreign minister, adding that China is ready to continue to provide the country with urgently needed anti-epidemic supplies and technical support and to carry out medical cooperation to fight against the epidemic.

China is also ready to sign an agreement with Sierra Leone as soon as possible on implementing the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) within the G20 framework, accelerate bilateral cooperation projects and help Sierra Leone resume work and production and recover the economy, Wang added.

Noting that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone, Wang proposed the two sides plan for future cooperation and promote bilateral relations to higher levels.

The other two foreign ministers echoed Wang's call for further cooperation and expressed sincere appreciation for China's assistance in providing anti-epidemic materials.

The foreign ministers also exchanged views on other issues of common concern.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: File photo of Wang Yi via China's Foreign Ministry )