China, Malta pledge to enhance ties (2)

BEIJING, July 27 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Maltese counterpart, George Vella, on Monday, agreeing to strengthen bilateral ties.

Hailing the traditional friendship between the two countries, Wang called on both sides to set up a steering committee on medium-term cooperation at an early date, expanding practical cooperation in energy, infrastructure, aviation, finance, innovation, technology and tourism.

"China hopes to see a prosperous and united EU and a strong euro," Wang told Vella. "China hopes Malta will play a positive role to further the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations."

Vella said Malta hopes to deepen mutual political trust, trade and cultural relations with China.

Malta will take over the rotating chair of the EU in the first half of 2017 and is willing to prioritize development of the EU-China relationship, Vella said.