Wang Yi Speaks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the Phone

On April 4, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at the latter's request. The two sides mainly exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine.

Kuleba introduced the Russia-Ukraine situation, saying that China, a great country advocating and acting on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, is a key positive force for maintaining peace. Ukraine attaches importance to China's international influence and prestige, stands ready to maintain communication with China, and hopes that China will continue to play an important role in reaching a ceasefire and stopping the conflict.

Wang Yi first thanked the Ukrainian government and people from all walks of life for their efforts to assist the safe evacuation of Chinese citizens in Ukraine, stressed that Chinese leaders and the Chinese government attach great importance to the safety of every overseas Chinese national, and hopes that Ukraine will continue to take active and effective measures to ensure the safety of a small number of Chinese citizens who voluntarily stayed in Ukraine. Kuleba said, Ukraine will make utmost efforts to this end.

Wang Yi said, China's basic attitude on the Ukraine issue is to promote peace talks. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly and comprehensively expounded on China's position and propositions, which are important guidelines for us to address the current challenges. It is China's historical and cultural tradition as well as our consistent foreign policy to safeguard peace and oppose war. On the Ukraine issue, China does not seek geopolitical self-interest, nor does China have the mentality of watching the fire from a safe distance, still less do anything that adds fuel to the fire. The only goal we sincerely look forward to is peace. China welcomes the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. No matter how difficult the talks are and how many differences they have, the general direction of peace talks should be upheld until a ceasefire is reached and peace is restored.

Wang Yi said, the fighting will eventually come to an end, and the key is how to learn from the painful experience and safeguard the lasting security of Europe. China believes that a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism should be truly established through equal-footed dialogue based on the principle of indivisible security. Upholding an objective and impartial position in this regard, China will continue to play a constructive role in its own way. China believes that the Ukrainian side has enough wisdom to independently make choices in line with the fundamental interests of its people.

Kuleba agreed with China's views, thanked China for its humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and said that Ukraine is still committed to peace talks with Russia to find a lasting solution, and Ukraine is willing to become the gate to Europe. Wang Yi said, China hopes that this gate will lead to peace in Europe, development in Ukraine, and cooperation between China and Europe.