China-Mexico agree to strengthen ties ahead of APEC event

China is ready to work with Mexico to make good use of bilateral communication mechanisms at all levels, deepen exchanges and cooperation across various fields, and promote the sustained and in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico Roberto Velasco Alvarez in Beijing.

He said China and Mexico, as major developing countries with similar philosophies and common interests, are both dedicated to speeding up national development and revitalization, and both hope to build a more just and equitable international governance system.

Wang noted that China appreciates Mexico's longstanding and firm commitment to the one-China principle, supports Mexico in upholding independence and autonomy, safeguarding sovereignty and security, and opposes external interference.

China-Mexico relations neither target any third party, nor should they be affected by any third party, he stressed.

As China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Wang said Beijing would like to take the hosting of APEC events as an opportunity to work with all parties to reinvigorate the Asia-Pacific community and advance the process of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.

Noting that China and Mexico share similar positions on many international and regional issues, he said that China is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with Mexico in international and multilateral platforms, safeguard the legitimate interests of both countries, and work together to promote unity and solidarity among Global South countries.

Velasco again expressed condolences to China over the mudslide disaster in Gyirong county of Xizang autonomous region.

Velasco said Mexico would like to strengthen high-level exchanges with China and expand and promote bilateral practical cooperation to achieve new outcomes.

Mexico supports China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and playing a leading role, he said.