Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met with Ukrainian Ambassador Pavlo Riabikin in Beijing on Monday “at his request.” This was reported in a Chinese diplomatic note released today, in which Sun said relations have “steadily developed” since the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries 32 years ago. Currently, “major changes are accelerating that have never occurred in a century. China and Ukraine should pursue a long-term vision, respect each other and treat each other sincerely to promote the stability and long-term development of bilateral relations.” Riabikin, for his part, said that Kiev – again in Beijing's reading – “attaches great importance to the development of relations China, always adheres to the principle of 'One China' and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to promote the continuum of development of relations”. The parties also exchanged views on issues of common interest such as the Ukraine crisis, the note said, without providing further details.
