FM pledges more coordination with island countries

China will enhance coordination with island countries and help them accelerate independent and sustainable development, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

The pledge was made during a virtual meeting with Kandhi A. Elieisar, foreign minister of the Federated States of Micronesia, during his visit to Papua New Guinea.

During the talks, Wang said nearly a half century's interactions and exchanges between China and island nations have proved China has not and will not disrupt security and stability in the region.

Instead, China focuses on economic development and cares about the improvement of livelihoods, Wang said.

What China does is building roads and bridges, rather than increasing military presence in the region, he added.

Wang expressed China's readiness to work with island countries to promote bilateral cooperation and regional coordination.

China has released a position paper after the second foreign ministers' meeting between China and Pacific Island countries, which Wang said showed China's concrete measures in cooperating with PICs.

On bilateral ties, Wang called on the two countries to carry forward traditional friendship and remove disruptions to achieve the goal of win-win cooperation.

He underlined the need for both sides to align the Belt and Road Initiative with Blue Prosperity Micronesia and expand cooperation so as to promote friendship and consolidate mutual trust with practical action.

In response, Elieisar welcomed the "virtual visit", saying it shows mature and robust relations between Micronesia and China.

China has always respected the development needs of Micronesia and treated the country with sincerity since the establishment of diplomatic ties, he said, adding bilateral cooperation has contributed to Micronesia's social and economic development and its fight against the pandemic.

Micronesia looks forward to consolidating sound relations with China to achieve win-win cooperation, he added.

He appreciated the major role played by China in the successful holding of the second foreign ministers' meeting and thanked China for viewing Pacific Island countries as close friends.

He expressed the country's willingness to unite and cooperate with all parties to build a partnership of mutual respect, understanding and trust.