Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held several sideline meetings with leaders at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, May 26.

During his meetings, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reiterated China’s call for multilateralism through the United Nations.

WANG YI MET WITH THAI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN MINISTER SIHASAK

On May 26 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Supasorn on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.

Wang Yi thanked Norodom Sihasa for attending the high-level meeting, stating that China and Thailand are both defenders and practitioners of multilateralism, and participants and beneficiaries of the global governance system. Thailand proposed a more strategic, forward-looking, and sustainable "Thailand Diplomacy 2.0," and China welcomes Thailand playing a greater role on the international stage, jointly committed to revitalizing and activating the United Nations, promoting reform and improvement of global governance, and contributing to the cause of peace and development for humanity. China appreciates Thailand's firm adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with Thailand to further strengthen the "China-Thailand family" bond.

Both sides should accelerate the formulation of a new version of the China-Thailand Strategic Cooperation Joint Action Plan, comprehensively plan cooperation in all fields, and promote new achievements in building a China-Thailand community with a shared future. China supports Thailand and Cambodia in adhering to dialogue and consultation, consolidating the ceasefire, gradually rebuilding mutual trust, and peacefully resolving disputes, and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

Sihasa stated that China's initiative to hold this high-level meeting was timely. The situation in Iran not only affects the Middle East but has also spilled over to ASEAN countries. The world needs rules, not unilateralism, and jointly upholding the authority of the United Nations is particularly urgent at present.

Thailand consistently adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen cooperation in various fields, and promote the building of a Thai-Chinese community with a shared future. Thailand appreciates China's efforts in mediating the Thai-Cambodian dispute and will continue to maintain dialogue and communication with Cambodia to achieve peace and stability in the border areas. 

WANG YI MET WITH COLOMBIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VILLAVICENCIO

On May 26 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Colombian Foreign Minister David Villavicencio on the sidelines of a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.

Wang Yi thanked Villavicensio for attending the high-level meeting, and stated that China will support Colombia's presidency of the UN Security Council in June. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Colombia relations have made breakthrough progress, especially since Colombia joined the Belt and Road Initiative a year ago, with pragmatic cooperation yielding fruitful results and bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

China has always viewed and developed China-Colombia relations from a strategic perspective, supports Colombia's domestic peace process, and appreciates Colombia's long-standing adherence to the one-China principle. Developing friendly relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Colombia, has always been a tradition of China's diplomacy, and the development of China-Latin America relations is not directed against any third party.

China is willing to work with Colombia to advance cooperation in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, and help the China-Colombia strategic partnership to move steadily forward.

President Villavicensio expressed his pleasure at being invited to this high-level meeting. Colombia is about to assume the rotating presidency of the Security Council and looks forward to China's support. The United Nations, established by nations to maintain peace and prevent war, currently needs to be updated and improved in line with the times. China is a peace-loving country that values ​​its commitments. Strengthening cooperation with China is a common choice for all Latin American countries.

President Petro attaches great importance to relations with China, and his two visits to China have yielded positive results. Colombia adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure, advocate dialogue among civilizations, advance the strategic partnership between the two countries, and make new contributions to the long-term development of Latin America-China relations. 

WANG YI MET WITH KYRGYZ FOREIGN MINISTER KURUBAEV

On May 26 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kurubayev on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.

Wang Yi thanked Kurubaev for making a special trip to New York to attend the high-level meeting, stating that this not only demonstrates support for China's initiatives but also provides a platform for Kyrgyzstan to play its role. China and Kyrgyzstan have always trusted and supported each other. President Xi Jinping and President Japarov have established a solid foundation of mutual trust and friendship, providing strategic guarantees for the development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations.

With the joint efforts of both sides, trade volume and people-to-people exchanges between China and Kyrgyzstan have reached new highs, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project is progressing smoothly, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results. China supports Kyrgyzstan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, supports Kyrgyzstan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development, and opposes any interference in Kyrgyzstan's internal affairs.

China believes that Kyrgyzstan will adhere to the one-China principle, support China's reunification, and oppose "Taiwan independence" activities. China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to fully implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance international collaboration, and jointly build a closer China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future. China highly appreciates Kyrgyzstan's long-standing constructive role in the China-Central Asia mechanism and will fully support Kyrgyzstan in hosting this year's SCO summit.

Kurubaev stated that he was honored to be invited to attend the high-level meeting of the Security Council initiated by China. Kyrgyzstan and China are sincere partners who trust each other. The two heads of state have a high degree of mutual trust and have made strategic plans for bilateral relations.

Kyrgyzstan firmly supports China on issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, which involve China's core interests. Kyrgyzstan highly appreciates and supports the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and hopes that China will continue to support Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Kyrgyzstan is willing to work with China to deepen the good-neighborly friendship between Kyrgyzstan and China and promote bilateral relations to a higher level.

WANG YI MET WITH ARGENTINE FOREIGN MINISTER QUIRNO

On May 26 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Argentine Foreign Minister Quirno on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.

Wang Yi welcomed Quirno’s attendance at the high-level meeting, stating that under the current circumstances, the role of the United Nations should only be strengthened, not weakened. China and Arab countries should jointly support and revitalize the UN and promote the reform and improvement of the global governance system. China-Arab relations are traditionally friendly and have broad prospects for development.

China is willing to work with Arab countries to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the long-term and stable development of the China-Arab comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides should consolidate political mutual trust and support each other on issues involving their core interests. China appreciates Arab countries' adherence to the one-China principle. The economies of China and Arab countries are highly complementary, with bilateral trade growing significantly and becoming more balanced.

Both sides should continue to expand pragmatic cooperation in various fields. Both sides should properly manage interfering factors. China has no intention of engaging in geopolitical competition, nor does it require other countries to take sides. China-Arab cooperation is not directed against any third party and reflects mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Quirno stated that China's initiative to hold this high-level meeting is of great significance. Only through continuous reform and improvement can the United Nations become more efficient, pragmatic, and better suited to the needs of the times.

The relationship between the UAE and China is developing well. The UAE appreciates China's support on the Falklands issue, will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, and is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, mining, and agricultural products, strengthen the bond of common interests, benefit the people of both countries, and elevate the strategic nature of the UAE-China relationship. 

WANG YI MET WITH CZECH DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN MINISTER MAČÍNKA

 On May 26 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marcão Maginka on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.

Machinka stated that he was honored to be invited to attend the high-level Security Council meeting initiated by China and to articulate the Czech Republic's position on this important platform. China is an important partner of the Czech Republic in Asia, and establishing a healthy and stable relationship with China is in the Czech Republic's interest. The new Czech government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and this position will never change.

Czechs are willing to strengthen communication with China, enhance mutual trust, make good use of direct flights and other convenient conditions, promote people-to-people exchanges, and gradually push Czech-China relations back on track, restoring exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Wang Yi stated, "I agree with your remarks this morning. Faced with current global challenges, major powers especially need to play their due role, taking the lead in upholding international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, supporting small and medium-sized countries, and safeguarding peace and stability. This is what a major power should be like. President Xi Jinping proposed four global initiatives precisely to better address global challenges and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China will continue to fulfill its due international responsibilities, speak up for small and medium-sized countries, uphold justice, and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core."

Wang Yi stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Czech strategic partnership. China is willing to work with the Czech Republic to remove obstacles and interference, improve bilateral relations, and revitalize traditional friendship.

Both sides should strengthen dialogue and cooperation, enhance political mutual trust, gradually expand pragmatic cooperation in areas such as trade, economy, and tourism, and firmly grasp the correct direction of the development of bilateral relations. The Taiwan issue is China's internal affair.

China hopes the Czech government will uphold the one-China principle, resist weakening and negative words and deeds with more positive actions, consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, and promote the return of China-Czech relations to a healthy development track.

WANG YI MET WITH AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTER BAYRAMOV

On May 26 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.

Wang Yi thanked Bayramov for making a special trip to New York to attend the high-level meeting of the Security Council, and stated that the friendship between China and Arab countries has a long history. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Aliyev, China-Arab relations have maintained a rapid development momentum, rising to a comprehensive strategic partnership and leading to all-round expansion of cooperation in various fields.

Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Arab countries. Consolidating and developing China-Arab relations is a political decision of the two heads of state and a common choice of the two peoples. No matter how the international situation changes, China's determination to develop relations and deepen cooperation with Arab countries remains unwavering.

China is willing to work with Arab countries, based on the consensus reached by the heads of state, to firmly support each other, jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative, share development opportunities, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and better contribute to the modernization of both countries. China will fully support Arab countries in their work as the rotating chair of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Bayramov stated that China's initiative to hold this meeting was timely and very important. Afghanistan highly appreciates the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and has already joined the "Friends of Global Governance Group" in New York, Geneva, and Vienna. He thanked China for sending a high-level representative to the World Cities Forum Summit in Baku and for supporting Afghanistan's chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Afghanistan firmly supports China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, and has always regarded China as an important strategic partner. Afghanistan is willing to further strengthen strategic alignment, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and continuously elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between Afghanistan and China to new heights.

WANG YI MET WITH PANAMANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MARTINEZ ACHA

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister, met with Panamanian foreign minister Martinez Acha on the sidelines of a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York on May 26.

Wang Yi stated that China and Panama have a long history of exchanges. In the 19th century, a large number of Chinese laborers went to Panama to build railways and dig canals, contributing to Panama's economic and social development. In the nearly nine years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have developed smoothly overall, with trade volume doubling compared to before the establishment of ties, bringing tangible benefits to the Panamanian people.

Facts fully demonstrate that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama is in the long-term interests of both countries and is the will of the people and an inevitable trend. Adherence to the one-China principle is the political foundation for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama.

China appreciates the Panamanian leaders' repeated reaffirmation of their commitment to the one-China principle and their refusal to give Taiwan any room for maneuver. Chinese enterprises have been deeply rooted in Panama for many years, making significant contributions to Panama's economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods. China hopes that Panama will earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

China has always maintained that China-Panama relations are not directed against any third party and should not be interfered with by any third party. China is willing to work with Panama to uphold the original aspirations of establishing diplomatic relations, deepen pragmatic cooperation, eliminate external interference, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

Martinez-Acha stated that China is an important force in upholding multilateralism, and Panama is also committed to effective multilateralism.

Panama highly values ​​its relations with China, is keenly aware of the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, and will unswervingly adhere to the one-China policy, not allowing Taiwan to establish any institutions in Panama.

The Panamanian people remember the contributions made by the Chinese people to the Panama Railway and Canal projects in their early years. Panama is willing to work with China to look to the future, resolve differences through constructive dialogue based on mutual respect, build solid trust, and turn a new page in Panama-China relations.