Friendly cooperation is the main theme of China-Estonian ties: Wang Yi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.

Estonia is an important cooperation partner for China in the Baltic region. Friendly cooperation is the main theme of bilateral relations, aligning with the shared expectations of both peoples and representing the direction both sides should continue to pursue, Wang said, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

While China and Estonia have different histories, cultures and environments, and face different challenges, this does not hinder the two countries from strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation to serve the well-being of their people. Wang added that this also does not affect their joint efforts to safeguard international peace and security based on respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

China is willing to continuously enhance mutual trust with Estonia, respect each other's legitimate concerns on core interests, and lay a solid political foundation to inject vitality into improving bilateral relations, Wang stated.

As an important member of the European Union, Estonia is expected to promote EU institutions' adherence to free trade, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and foster the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations, he said.

Tsahkna noted that Estonia has a long history of exchanges with China and has maintained pragmatic cooperation, clearly upholding the one-China policy. Estonia appreciates China's emphasis on respecting the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

For a small country like Estonia, international law and international order are as important as nuclear weapons. Estonia closely follows the Ukraine crisis, values China's position, and hopes that China will play a constructive role, Tsahkna added.

Wang pointed out that China is not a party to the Ukraine crisis but has always been committed to peace, actively mediating and promoting negotiations to facilitate a political resolution. China's diplomacy is guided by principles of upholding justice, maintaining fairness and pursuing peace. For all hot spot issues, China advocates seeking political solutions through dialogue and consultation.

The immediate priority in the Ukraine crisis is to de-escalate the situation and prevent the conflict from further expanding, which aligns with the interests of European countries. China will faithfully fulfill its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and continue to contribute to peace, Wang concluded.