Chinese, Ukrainian diplomats meet amid Swiss peace conference talks

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - China and Ukraine exchanged views Wednesday on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and "international and regional issues of common concern" amid talks for an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister Serbiga held "consultations" in Beijing, ahead of the Ukraine peace summit scheduled for June 15 - 16, it said in a statement.

Sun said China is willing to work with Ukraine to "implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry forward the fine tradition of mutual respect and sincerity, always focus on the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples, promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and maintain and develop China-Ukraine relations."

He said that China-Ukraine relations have continued to develop steadily in the past 32 years since the establishment of relations.

Sebiga said Kyiv "cherishes the traditional friendship between Ukraine and China, adheres to the one-China principle."

Ukraine, he added, is also willing to further strengthen exchanges at all levels between the two countries, enhance cooperation in various fields and promote the development of bilateral relations to achieve more and better results.

Talks between the two sides were held days after China refused to attend the peace conference.

Beijing has said it supports the "timely" convening of an international peace conference that is recognized by both the Russian and Ukrainian sides.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of "working hard" to disrupt the summit.