China pledges to boost ties, cooperation with Ukraine

Visiting Chinese Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang on Thursday pledged strengthened ties and cooperation in various fields with Ukraine.

Xu made the remarks while meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Xu said that the strategic partnership between China and Ukraine has been developing continuously thanks to the attention of the two countries' top leaders.

The two nations support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, which not only serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples but also facilitates regional and world peace and stability, Xu said.

He said China is willing to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and carry forward traditional friendship with Ukraine.

Based upon new starting points, China is also committed to the continuous development of bilateral military ties in a bid to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results, Xu added.

Yanukovych, for his part, said he believed Xu's visit will inject new impetus into the development of bilateral ties between Ukraine and China.

Ukraine values its strategic partnership with China, and will make it a diplomatic priority to develop its relations with China, Yanukovych said.

Yanukovych said Ukraine is glad to see China play an ever more important role on the global stage and appreciates the great achievements China has made in its socioeconomic development.

The president said Ukraine is ready to work together with China to continuously push bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the military one, to new heights.

Xu also met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov on Thursday.