Chinese, Canadian FMs hold talks on bilateral ties, int'l issues

China's newly-appointed Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks here Monday with his Canadian counterpart Peter MacKay.

A news release from the foreign affairs ministry provided to Xinhua says the two ministers exchanged views on bilateral ties, and major international issues.

China will maintain bilateral exchanges and dialogue at all levels on a basis of a forward-looking attitude, the release quoted Yang as saying.

China will work with Canada to deepen cooperation in various fields, strengthening consultations on major international issues, properly handling disputes and sensitive issues so as to push forward the development of bilateral strategic partnership, Yang said.

In response, Mackay said Canada highly values relations with China and will enhance mutual trust and promote pragmatic cooperation based on the spirit of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences.

The Canadian government will stick to the one-China policy and will not develop official ties with Taiwan, Mackay said.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues on United Nations, Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the ministry.

Yang replaced veteran diplomat Li Zhaoxing as China's new foreign minister only three days ago.

"My predecessor Li Zhaoxing was an outstanding foreign minister and I should learn from him," Yang said at a photo opportunity prior to the meeting with MacKay.

"I would very much like to work with you and colleagues from other countries to push forward continuous progress of relations between China and other countries including Canada," Yang said at the photo session.

"I knew your predecessor Li very well," MacKay said. "I'm confident we will have a similarly cordial and productive working relationship."

Source: Xinhua