Chinese vice premier meets foreign leaders

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng (R), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Ulziisaikhan Enkhtuvshin in southwest China's Chongqing, Aug. 22, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng on Wednesday met with foreign leaders who were in Chongqing to attend the first Smart China Expo, held from Thursday to Saturday.

During his meeting with Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Ulziisaikhan Enkhtuvshin, Han said it was in line with the fundamental interests of the people of China and Mongolia that the two neighboring countries enhance all-round cooperation.

China has always regarded its relations with Mongolia as important in its foreign policy of neighboring countries and followed the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in conducting neighborhood diplomacy, Han said.

The year 2019 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Mongolia. Han said China will implement the consensus reached by the presidents of both countries to enhance high-level exchanges, promote cooperation and expand people-to-people relations.

Enkhtuvshin said his country would stick to the one-China policy and better dovetail the Development Road Initiative of Mongolia with China's Belt and Road Initiative.

During his meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy, Han expressed condolences regarding the dam collapse disaster in southern Laos last month.

Han said the development of China-Laos comprehensive strategic partnership benefited both sides and the region.

"China has always viewed Laos as its good neighbor, good friend, good comrade and good partner, and will continue to follow a friendly policy towards Laos," Han said.

He said China hoped to enhance communication and coordination with Laos to implement the consensus of both leaders and provide momentum in exchanges to build a shared future with Laos.

Somdy thanked China for providing aid after the dam collapse, and commended the deepening of bilateral relations.

During his meeting with Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Han said China and Singapore had embarked on a road of mutual learning and benefit.

He said China will work with Singapore to safeguard rules-based multilateral trade system and help create an open, inclusive and balanced global economy.

Goh said Singapore had always attached importance to relations with China, which continued to develop steadily.

He said Singapore opposed unilateralism and protectionism, and wanted to work with China to ensure greater interconnectivity and an open world economy.