China’s top diplomat Wang hails talks to end Ukraine war

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday hailed talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha.

On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Wang said Beijing values the “traditional friendship” between the two countries and will continue to advance cooperation across various fields.

Wang said Beijing “remains committed to the original principles underpinning diplomatic ties, namely mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation,” according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

He noted that in recent days, “intensive diplomatic efforts and dialogue surrounding the Ukraine crisis have been encouraging,” and that Beijing “is willing to provide Ukraine with a new batch of humanitarian assistance.”

His remarks come as Moscow said Friday that the next round of trilateral peace talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine will be held from Feb. 17-18 in Geneva.

Russia and Ukraine held two rounds of US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, in January and earlier this month.

China is currently Ukraine’s largest trading partner and largest source of imports, with trade reaching $21 billion last year. The two nations have maintained ties since 1992.