Yang, Tillerson discuss bilateral ties, Afghan issue

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Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

They discussed China-US relations and the Afghanistan issue.

Both countries have maintained communication and cooperation in a range of areas which is in the interests of both countries and the world at large, Yang said.

In accordance with consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump, the two countries should strengthen high-level exchanges while making preparations for Trump's visit to China within the year, he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with US President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Florida, April 6, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Calling for mutual respect and benefit, Yang expressed the hope that the two countries will expand cooperation and settle differences to maintain momentum in the development of bilateral ties.

Tillerson said the US is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote communication and cooperation.

Yang and Tillerson also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan.

China is committed to facilitating Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation process and political dialogue is the only solution to the issue, Yang said.

The international community needs to support Afghanistan in achieving a broad and inclusive political reconciliation, support the Afghan people in pursuing a development path that suits their national conditions and support the government in increasing its capability to fight forces of extremism and terrorism, he said.

Yang also said that attention needs to be given to the important role Pakistan plays in the Afghanistan issue and respect its sovereignty and security concerns.

China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with the US on the Afghanistan issue and make joint efforts to realize peace and stability in the country and the region, he added.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency