Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday exchanged views on furthering bilateral ties and upholding multilateralism with his Maltese and Malian counterparts, respectively, on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York.

Raising China-Malta ties to a new level

This year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between China and Malta. Wang told Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg that China is willing to enhance all-round win-win cooperation with Malta to raise bilateral ties to a new level.

Noting the bilateral ties have maintained healthy and stable development, Wang said the two sides have always treated each other with mutual respect and as equals, taken care of each other's core concerns, and understood the paths and development models chosen by each other.

As Malta was elected to serve as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council from 2023-2024, Wang extended his congratulations, saying Malta is a responsible member of the international community and a stabilizing factor in the European Union (EU), and that China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Malta in multilateral affairs.

Pointing out that Taiwan is part of China, Borg said Malta firmly adheres to the one-China policy.

He stressed the Malta-China relationship is not a choice of expediency, adding both sides have always understood each other and supported each other's chosen path of development.

The Maltese side supports and is willing to participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and looks forward to taking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to promote greater development of bilateral ties.

As an active force in the EU, Malta is committed to promoting Europe-China cooperation, Borg told Wang, adding the two countries share similar positions on many issues, both advocate win-win equality and oppose double standards, and look forward to strengthening cooperation between the two sides in the framework of the UN Security Council and jointly addressing global challenges in areas such as climate change and security.

China committed to peace not war

China is committed to providing public goods for the world and promoting cooperation for peace and development, not war, interference or subversion, Wang told Abdoulaye Diop, the foreign minister of Mali.

China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the majority of developing countries to safeguard common interests, the Chinese foreign minister added.

Wang also said China is willing to work with Mali for mutual understanding, mutual support and mutual trust, to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two sides, and to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation amid the current complicated international situation.

China attaches importance to Mali's legitimate concerns on own national sovereignty, security and development, supports the Malian people's independent choice of development path in line with national conditions, supports Mali in combating terrorism and maintaining national unity, and will continue to provide support and assistance for Mali's stable development, he added.

Wang also urged the Malian side to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Mali so as to create a more stable and secure environment for bilateral cooperation.

For his part, Diop said he sees China as a good friend and partner of Mali, while stressing Mali is also a reliable partner of China.

He stressed Mali firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China in safeguarding its core interests.