WANG: DEEPEN COOPERATION WITH PODGORICA

BEIJING, OCTOBER 19 /SRNA/ – China is ready to discuss with Montenegro the possibility of elevating bilateral relations to a higher level, deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields, as well as building a long-term strategic partnership based on mutual trust, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during his visit to Podgorica.

During a meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Wang stressed that the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations represents an important opportunity to build on past achievements and chart a course for the future.

"The two countries have respected and supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, which represents an important guarantee for the sound and stable development of bilateral relations," the Chinese foreign minister emphasised.

Wang conveyed the best wishes of Chinese leaders to Spajić and said that China and Montenegro had always been friendly countries on their paths towards development and revitalisation.

During yesterday's meeting, both sides expressed their willingness to further deepen bilateral relations and expand practical cooperation, China Media Group reported.

Spajić recalled the warm reception he received during his visit to China in June and stressed that Wang's visit confirmed the importance China attaches to its relations with Montenegro.

"Montenegro highly values China's status and influence as a major power, as well as its responsible efforts to curb rising oil prices on the global market amid the conflict in the Middle East," Spajić said, adding that these measures had helped Montenegro and other small and medium-sized countries cope with the energy crisis, demonstrating China’s responsibility as a major power.

Spajić asked Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, to convey his sincere greetings to the Chinese leaders.