Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) shakes hands with his British counterpart Boris Johnson during their meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday urged further practical cooperation with Britain to strengthen the "golden era" of bilateral relations.
In a meeting with his British counterpart Boris Johnson, Wang said this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Britain.
The two countries should continue to work together to maintain high-level contacts, deepen practical cooperation in order to carry forward the "golden era" of bilateral relations, said Wang.
China appreciates Britain's support for the Belt and Road Initiative. The two countries should work together to safeguard the multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organization at its core. They should send out positive signals of building an open global economy and opposing protectionism.
Wang expressed the hope that Britain can create favorable conditions for Chinese investment.
Johnson said China is a major country with broad international influence. Britain and China hold common or similar views on a series of important international issues. They have common stance and common interests in promoting free trade and maintaining market access, he said.
Britain attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to enhance high-level contacts, strengthen cooperation in various fields in order to carry forward the "golden era" relations, said the foreign secretary.
The two sides also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Afghanistan.
Both Wang and Johnson are in New York for the annual general debate of the UN General Assembly.
