Qin Gang Has a Phone Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

On March 16, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang had a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Qin Gang said that China-Ukraine relations have maintained the momentum of growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties 31 years ago; China appreciates Ukraine's commitment to establishing sincere relations with China on the basis of mutual respect, and stands ready to work with Ukraine to promote sustained and stable development of bilateral relations with a long-term perspective. Noting the sound foundation and huge potential for China-Ukraine practical cooperation, Qin stressed that the process of realizing Chinese modernization will provide even greater opportunities for the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides.

Kuleba said that China is not only an important cooperation partner of Ukraine, but also a key and indispensable major country in international affairs. He congratulated China on its recent success in mediating the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and noted that Ukraine takes a long-term view of its relations with China, will continue to strictly abide by the one-China principle and respect China's territorial integrity, and looks forward to enhancing mutual trust and deepening cooperation with China in various fields.

Kuleba briefed Qin on the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis and the prospect of peace talks. He thanked China for providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and noted that China's position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis shows its sincerity in promoting a ceasefire and an end to the conflict. He expressed the hope to maintain communication with China.

Qin Gang mainly expounded on the "four points" put forward by President Xi Jinping on what must be done in addressing the Ukraine crisis, stressing that China upholds an objective and impartial position on the Ukraine issue, stays committed to promoting talks for peace, and calls on the international community to create enabling conditions for peace talks. China is concerned that the crisis has dragged on and escalated and may even spiral out of control, and hopes that the relevant parties will stay cool-headed and rational, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible, and return to the track of political settlement. Qin also expressed the hope that Ukraine and Russia will keep alive the hope of dialogue and negotiation, and will not close the door to a political settlement, no matter how difficult and challenging it may be. China will continue to play a constructive role in bringing an end to the conflict, mitigating the crisis and restoring peace.