Sidelines of MSC: Sr. Chinese official's meetings with other leaders

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Europe

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‍Senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi has met with several leaders from Europe and Africa on the sidelines of the ongoing 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

China, Germany call for steady development in ties

Yang said on Saturday that China and Germany should maintain strategic resolve and the steady and healthy development of bilateral relations in the face of today's complicated world.

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Merkel and Maas.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) meets with Senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi (R) during the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, February 16, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Yang, who delivered a keynote speech on Saturday at the three-day conference, said China welcomes the active participation of Germany within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and will continue to provide a fair and transparent investment environment for all foreign enterprises, including those from Germany.

Yang expressed the hope that the German side will also continue to provide a fair policy environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Germany.

On her part, Merkel said that Germany and China are comprehensive strategic partners who enjoy frequent high-level exchanges, fruitful results of friendly cooperation in various fields and close coordination in international affairs.

Merkel said the German side has taken a positive approach towards international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to strengthen communications and cooperation with China, and promote the interests of enterprises and peoples of both countries.

Mass spoke highly of the Germany-China ties, adding that Germany looks to face all challenges in the years coming along with China.

China, Russia to maintain close contacts

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Yang said, when meeting with Russia's Lavrov, pointing out that the two heads of state will continue to maintain close contacts.

Fruitful results have been made in key areas including trade, energy and bilateral exchanges over the years, said Yang.

Senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi (2nd R) meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (2nd L) during the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, February 16, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional hotspot issues of common concern.

Lavrov said that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and the Eurasian Economic Union are all beneficial to the regional economy and can thus promote security, and they should not encounter vicious attacks.

"Russia attaches great importance to the development of Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation," he said, adding that bilateral trade volume of the two countries has exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars.

Libya appreciates China's objective stance

Libya is right now going through a "special time period," said the country's prime minister when also delivering his appreciation of China's just stance in dealing with Libya issues.

He vows to further promote economic cooperation with China and welcomes Chinese companies to join hands in assisting the reconstruction of the country.

On the Chinese side, Yang said China highly values the friendly cooperative relationship with Libya. China welcomes the three-step solution proposed by the United Nations envoy to Libya and vows to work together with the international community to push for peace and stability of the African country.

(With inputs from Xinhua News Agency)