'Advancing friendly ties' - China seeks closer diplomatic relations with Canada, Sweden ahead of FM visits

'Advancing friendly ties' - China seeks closer diplomatic relations with Canada, Sweden ahead of FM visits

"Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that China seeks to deepen its diplomatic engagement with Canada and Sweden, ahead of scheduled visits by both nations' foreign ministers next month. "This is Foreign Minister Anita Anand's first visit to China since she took office in May this year. This is also another important high-level interaction between China and Canada after the meeting between the two prime ministers on the sidelines of UNGA last month," Lin highlighted. Canada's Anand is set to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during her visit. According to Lin, the diplomats will discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on broader international and regional matters. "Through the visit, we hope to work with Canada to step up strategic communication, implement the common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, improve bilateral relations and deliver more tangibly for the two peoples," the spokesperson added. Foreign Minister Wang will also meet with his Swedish counterpart, Maria Malmer Stenergard. Their meeting this year comes as China and Sweden mark 75 years of diplomatic engagement. "In May this year, President Xi Jinping and King Carl XVI Gustaf exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 75th anniversary of China-Sweden diplomatic ties. They agreed to keep deepening practical cooperation and advancing the friendly ties between our two countries," Lin shared. Lin noted that China is 'ready' to collaborate with Sweden during the upcoming visit to build on key agreements made by their leaders, aiming to strengthen dialogue, foster greater mutual trust and expand areas of cooperation."