Chinese FM calls for new progress on China-Britain ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his British counterpart William Hague here Monday, calling on the two sides to make fresh progress on bilateral ties. Wang said the China-Britain relationship enjoys great potential and bright prospects and it is in the common interest of both countries to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. With joint efforts, China and Britain had overcome disturbances, bringing their relationship into a new stage of development, Wang said. The Chinese top diplomat stressed that political mutual trust serves as a precondition for the healthy development of bilateral relationship and also guarantees smooth cooperation between the two sides. "The two countries should respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and work together to make fresh progress on bilateral relationship and cooperation in all fields," he said. Hague said Britain values its relationship with China, adding that London's recent efforts to push for reciprocal ministerial visits and its decision to significantly expand the number of British diplomats in China have demonstrated the positive attitude adopted by his country toward developing relations with China. Britain is willing to strengthen cooperation with China at the United Nations Security Council and on peace-keeping missions and development issues, Hague said. The two officials also exchanged views on the Syrian issue.