Chinese FM discusses global issues at the UN

World
Europe

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had another busy day on Tuesday, meeting several of his counterparts and expounding on China's position on major issues.

Wang met French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, during which the two sides pledged to step up bilateral cooperation on global hot-button issues, including climate change.

Wang said China appreciated France's participation in the May Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, and hopes that France can make even greater contributions to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) shakes hands with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian during their meeting in New York, on September 19, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

China is willing to work with France in the fight against climate change and in implementing the Paris Agreement, said Wang. He also called on all countries involved to adhere to the Paris accord at a climate change meeting involving high-level officials.

Le Drian said France is ready to promote major projects between the two countries, and that France appreciates China's contributions to the Paris Agreement and is willing to work with China to push the international community to do more in combating climate change.

France and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, should strengthen multilateral cooperation and take the leading role in settling the Security Council's important international issues, he said.

The two ministers also exchanged opinions on the Korean Peninsula situation.

The Chinese foreign minister also met with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, and exchanged views on bilateral relations and the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) talks with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi during their meeting in New York, the United States, on September 19, 2017. /MOFA Photo

Wang said that the recent violent incidents in Rakhine State are unacceptable, but that the Myanmar government's efforts to maintain social stability is understandable.

The historical issue of the Rohingya is complex and sensitive, but efforts must be made to protect innocent people from harm, prevent the humanitarian crisis from spreading, and encourage Myanmar and Bangladesh to seek a fundamental resolution via dialogue and consultation, he said.

China is willing to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role, said Wang.

For her part, Retno said Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim nation, is deeply concerned about the situation in Rakhine and is willing to play a positive role in helping Myanmar and Bangladesh find a solution to the ongoing crisis.

Indonesia appreciates China's stance and is willing to keep discussing the issue with China, she said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) shakes hands with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza during their meeting in New York, the United States, on September 19, 2017. /MOFA Photo‍

Other political leaders who Wang met included British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, and Ecuadoran Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinoza.

11002km

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency