FM has phone call with Malaysian counterpart

Visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday held a phone call with Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah as he made a stopover in the country after wrapping up his visit to South Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste.

Wang shared outcomes of the Pacific tour with Saifuddin, saying China would continue to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Pacific Island countries to seek common development and revitalization.

While congratulating Wang over his successful visit, Saifuddin said China bore important responsibilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Countries in the region hope Beijing plays a leading role in strengthening South-South cooperation to make the Pacific more harmonious, he added.

The two expressed deep concern over the evolution of the European situation, especially the spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis.

They agreed countries in the Asia-Pacific region should bolster strategic coordination and enhance unity and coordination to jointly safeguard hard-won peace.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations-centered and mature regional cooperation framework should be upheld, the two foreign ministers said, adding countries in the region should avoid introducing a Cold War mentality to create new bloc confrontation.

Other major countries are expected to play a constructive role for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, they added.