KIEV, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko discussed strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and China with Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Du Wei on Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's official website reported on Tuesday.
"The parties focused on vital issues on the bilateral agenda. The Minister stressed that Ukraine's foreign policy on developing of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with the People's Republic of China remains unchanged," the message posted on the website read.
The diplomats emphasized the necessity to renew political dialogue between the two countries which would bolster trade and investment.
Prystaiko noted the two countries should uncover ways to increase bilateral trade. He stressed the need to boost two-way travel between the countries and further develop cultural and humanitarian ties.
Du congratulated Prystaiko on his inauguration as Ukrainian foreign minister. He said that China and Ukraine are traditionally friendly states, and China is willing to work with Ukraine to lift the strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level, via broadening pragmatic cooperation and deepening people-to-people exchanges.
Bilateral trade between China and Ukraine has grown dramatically over the past few years. China has become Ukraine's largest trading partner in the first quarter of the year, and trade between the two countries in 2018 amounted to 10.1 billion U.S. dollars, according to Ukrainian statistics.
