News from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, on October 16, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, met with Swedish Foreign Minister Elinor Stenström in Beijing.
Wang Yi stated that Sweden is an important country in the EU and the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In recent years, bilateral relations have encountered some setbacks, which require face-to-face communication between both sides and the reconstruction of mutual trust. Although China and Sweden have different historical cultures and social systems, the development process over the past 75 years has shown that as long as both sides respect each other, treat each other equally, and seek common ground while reserving differences, they can achieve mutual benefit and mutual success. Both sides should adhere to the positioning of partners rather than opponents and maintain the tone of cooperation over differences. The Chinese side hopes that Sweden will view and develop Sino-Swedish relations with an independent and autonomous strategic thinking and a long-term perspective.
Wang Yi pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sweden. President Xi Jinping and King Carl XVI Gustaf exchanged congratulatory messages, both agreeing to deepen practical cooperation between the two countries and promote the continuous development of Sino-Swedish relations. China is willing to work with Sweden to implement the consensus of the two heads of state, make good use of the mechanism dialogue in the field of economy and trade, expand practical cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, scientific and technological innovation, life health, digital economy, and green development, deepen communication and coordination in multilateral affairs such as climate change, and jointly push bilateral relations back on the right track and constantly develop in a healthy and stable manner. To encourage more Swedish people to come to China and experience the real China, China is willing to implement a visa exemption policy for Sweden, and further carry out cultural exchanges. The Chinese side hopes that Sweden will play a constructive role in promoting the healthy development of Sino-European relations.
Stenström stated that she was pleased to be the first Swedish foreign minister to visit China in 16 years. Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. 75 years ago, Sweden recognized the People's Republic of China government as the only legitimate government representing all of China. Sweden attaches great importance to its relationship with China and adheres to the one-China policy. Sweden is willing to strengthen dialogue with China, enhance understanding and trust, and properly handle differences based on the spirit of mutual respect. Over the past 75 years, the Sino-Swedish relationship has achieved positive results, and the potential for future cooperation is great and the prospects are broad. Sweden is willing to work with China to build a balanced and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship, strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, scientific and technological innovation, and green transition, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in education and cultural fields. The Swedish side thanked China for implementing the visa exemption policy for Sweden, believing that this will effectively promote more Swedish people to come to China and enhance their understanding of China. Sweden values the important role China plays in international affairs. It commended China for successfully holding the Global Women's Summit and appreciated China's announcement of new national voluntary contributions to address climate change. Sweden firmly supports an open and free trade system and supports strengthening dialogue and cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other international and regional issues.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7561831658979066377/
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