Chinese FM calls on China, Chile to consolidate high-level mutual trust

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on China and Chile to maintain exchanges at various levels, consolidate high-level mutual trust, and continue to support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister of Chile Francisco Perez Mackenna in Beijing.

He said China and Chile share a time-honored friendship and are good friends and good partners.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said China stands ready to work with the new Chilean government to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation and bring China-Chile relations to a new height.

He said China stands ready to work with Chile to deepen cooperation under the APEC "China Year" and accelerate the building of an Asia-Pacific community and a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, calling on the two countries to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and tap further into cooperation potential in such fields as artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy.

Wang also called on both sides to enhance communication and coordination, jointly advocate and practice true multilateralism, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Francisco Perez Mackenna said the new Chilean government firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and is willing to work with China to step up high-level exchanges, forge closer people-to-people bonds, strengthen industrial chain alignment and expand cooperation in fields including scientific and technological innovation, AI and personnel training.

Chile looks forward to working closely with China to uphold global free trade and promote world peace and stability, he said, adding that he wishes the APEC "China Year" a complete success.

(With input from Xinhua)