Kyiv offers to be Beijing’s ‘bridge to Europe’

Breaking news
15 July 2021, 00:22

Beijing is moving to boost ties with Kyiv, with Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for further cooperation on vaccines.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Xi said China was willing to work with Ukraine to “promote traditional friendship, deepen mutual understanding and strengthen practical cooperation”, according to a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry.

“China is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with the Ukrainian side in the field of vaccines … to help the country overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” Xi said, adding that the two sides should also expand their cooperation on infrastructure and agricultural products.

 

In response, Zelensky said Chinese investors were welcome to take part in a number of key infrastructure projects.

 
 

Ukraine could become a “bridge to Europe” for Chinese business, Zelensky told Xi, adding that his country was keen to export more agricultural products to China.

 

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s position supporting the unity of China and in return, Xi said China supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian statement.

 

More on SCMP

This is Articte sidebar