China, Iceland to boost exchanges, elevate relations

China and Iceland issued on Tuesday a joint statement on further strengthening cooperation on geothermal energy and green transition, as President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with Icelandic President Halla Tomasdottir.

Xi said that over the past 54 years since diplomatic ties between China and Iceland were established, fruitful outcomes of the bilateral ties have proved that countries with different national conditions can transcend differences in social systems and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

China values its relations with Iceland and stands ready to enhance exchanges and deepen cooperation to bring greater benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.

He called for mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and deeper practical cooperation in trade, geothermal energy, healthcare and green transition, while jointly addressing climate change.

Xi also encouraged closer people-to-people exchanges in tourism and education to enhance understanding and friendship, and urged both countries to make joint efforts to promote a fairer and more equitable global governance system.

Tomasdottir said that Iceland is willing to further expand cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges with China to bring the bilateral relationship to a higher level.

Amid global turbulence, Iceland stands ready to work with China to enhance coordination and jointly tackle global challenges, she added.

ZHAO JIA