China, Ukraine agree to strengthen strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in Beijing on Thursday, vowing to further bilateral strategic partnership.

"China-Ukraine relations have entered a fast track for long-term healthy and stable development since strategic partnership was established in 2011," Xi told Yanukovych.

China and Ukraine should view bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, adhere to mutual respect, equality and win-win principles to strengthen cooperation and ensure their bilateral relationship moves in the right direction, Xi said.

Xi put forward four proposals on furthering bilateral ties, including increasing high-level exchanges and strategic mutual trust, pragmatic cooperation, cultural exchanges and collaboration in international and regional affairs.

Xi suggested more exchanges between governments, legislative institutions and parties as well as more channels for policy coordination so that both sides can exchange views on major issues of bilateral relations in a timely manner and seek common ground.

China and Ukraine should firmly support each other on major issues concerning national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and the development path of their own choice, Xi said.

He called on the two sides to give full play to the intergovernmental cooperation commission, strengthening cooperation in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, finance and high-tech and gradually promote large project partnership. He said he hoped Ukraine can offer a more favorable, convenient environment for Chinese businesses.

China and Ukraine should enhance understanding of each other by increasing exchanges in science, education, culture, health, sport, tourism and youth, Xi said.

Xi said the two countries should work to build a fair and just new international political order, tackle global challenges and protect mutual interests.

Hailing Ukraine's important contribution to the communication between Eastern and Western civilizations, Xi said China welcomes Ukraine to participate in the building of the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and is willing to discuss cooperation.

Yanukovych echoed Xi's proposals to deepen bilateral ties, saying it serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples.

Ukraine firmly advocates the one-China policy and supports China's national unification, and is ready to enhance high-level and party exchanges, as well as pragmatic cooperation, cultural exchanges and coordination in international and regional affairs, Yanukovych said.

Ukraine applauds China's "Silk Road Economic Belt" proposal and is willing to participate in the building of infrastructure. Ukraine welcomes more Chinese investment and is ready to facilitate the issuing of visas, Yanukovych said.

China and Ukraine tabled a plan on Thursday to deepen their strategic partnership from 2014 to 2018, including key areas of cooperation in agriculture, energy, resources, infrastructure construction, finance, high-tech, aviation and aerospace.

After their talks, the two heads of state signed a treaty of friendly cooperation and a joint statement. They also witnessed the signing of cooperative documents on economy and technology.

Prior to their talks at the Great Hall of the People, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Yanukovych.