On September 20, local time, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki, Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman, ROK Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan and Foreign Minister of Myanmar U Wunna Maung Lwin respectively on the sidelines of the General Debate of the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the United States.
During his meeting with Isaias Afewerki, Yang said cooperation between China and Eritrea has maintained sound momentum in various areas since the two countries forged their diplomatic ties. Both sides have seen fruitful cooperation in fields like economy, trade, health, education, culture and personnel training. China appreciates Eritrea's adherence to the one-China policy, Yang said, adding that China would like to make joint efforts with Eritrea in a bid to push bilateral relations to a new high. For his part, Isaias Afewerki said bilateral partnership has enjoyed continuous development. He hoped the two sides could strengthen trade and investment relations, and deepen cooperation in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education and health. Eritrea also looked forward to seeing China continue to play a positive role in promoting peace, stability and development in Africa, he said.
When meeting with Kilman, Yang said China attaches great importance to its relations with Vanuatu, and would like to jointly push bilateral ties to a new level and promote peace, stability and development in the Pacific Islands region. Kilman appreciated China's assistance to his country's economic and social development, saying Vanuatu hopes to see enhanced bilateral ties and welcomes even more Chinese investment.
When meeting with his South Korean counterpart Kim, Yang said the current China-ROK relations have been developing well. He hoped both sides would continue enhancing exchange of high-level visits, and take the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2012 as an opportunity to further advance bilateral relations. On the situation of the Korean Peninsula, Yang said all parties involved, including South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, have conducted talks recently, and that the situation on the Peninsula has been eased as a result of joint efforts. The Chinese foreign minister said the current situation should be cherished. He called on all parties concerned to work towards the same direction and create favorable conditions for the early resumption of the six-party talks. He added that bilateral talks and multilateral meetings can supplement each other. Kim said his country is ready to work closely with China and further boost friendship between the two peoples. South Korea appreciates China's positive efforts in easing the situation on the peninsula, and greatly values China's hosting of an international symposium on the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 19 Joint Statement on the Korean nuclear issue in Beijing.
During his meeting with Myanmar's foreign minister, Yang said that in order to enrich the China-Myanmar comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, the two countries should maintain high-level contacts, ensure the construction of joint projects and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs. China is willing to make contributions to the stability and development of Myanmar together with the international community, Yang said. Myanmar's foreign minister said the growing friendship between Myanmar and China has brought tangible benefits to both nations. Myanmar is in a state of transition, and is willing to step up communication and exchanges with neighboring countries as well as the international community, he said.