Wang Yi Speaks with Latvian Foreign Minister Brae on the Phone

On March 14, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Brae at the latters request. Brae noted that Latvia and China just celebrated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Over the years, the two countries have maintained sound practical cooperation and worked well together on multilateral platforms including the U.N. Security Council. Latvia looks forward to strengthening communication and exchanges with China and advancing bilateral relations, Brae said. Brae noted that 33 Latvian citizens are missing after the mudslides in Nepal and Chinas Xizang Autonomous Region. She thanked China for its timely notification and search and rescue effort, and for its sincere sympathies to the families of the missing. Latvia is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly follow up on the matter. Wang Yi said that the sudden ice-rock avalanche on the Nepalese side triggered mudslides and caused heavy casualties and missing persons in Gyirong County, Xizang, China. Latvia is the European country with the highest number of missing people. In the face of this sudden tragedy, I wish to once again express our sincere sympathies to Latvia, especially to the families of the missing. China treats Chinese and foreign nationals equally and has made every effort to carry out rescue. We will do our utmost to continue searching for the missing Latvian and other foreign nationals and make proper follow-up arrangements. Wang Yi said that although China and Latvia are far apart, the two peoples enjoy a deep traditional friendship. China is one of the first countries to recognize Latvias independence. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always treated each other as equals with mutual respect and maintained steady growth of bilateral relations. Chinas unilateral visa waiver for Latvia demonstrates its trust in Latvia. The two countries are seeing more personnel exchanges and expanding practical cooperation. China stands ready to work with Latvia to take the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to add new dimensions of the times to bilateral relations.