Chinese FM discusses ties, Middle East issues with Kerry over phone

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Sunday night on bilateral ties while exchanging views on Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and the Syria issue. Noting the steady development of Sino-U.S. relations, Wang said the year 2014 will be critical to both countries. He hopes that the two sides would deepen strategic dialogue and cooperation, promote mutual trust, properly handle issues of sensitivity and difference, pushing forward a new type of major-country relationship between China and the United States. Kerry pledged that the U.S. is willing to work with China on a closer relationship, enhance communication and cooperation on regional and international issues. With regard to the latest U.S. moves on Israeli-Palestinian talks, the Chinese foreign minister who is leaving for his first Middle East visit in two days, said the purpose of his trip is to bring the two sides to the negotiation table. He urged Israel and Palestine to implement more practical measures to build up mutual trust in order to make substantial achievement sooner. After briefing Wang on U.S. considerations on Israeli- Palestinian peace talks, Kerry wished his Chinese counterpart a fruitful trip to the Middle East. On Syria, Wang reiterated that political resolution is the only way out. As the Geneva II conference on Syria is slated for late next January, Wang said, China hopes the conference will generate positive results, which would initiate a political transition process for Syria. Kerry said the U.S. attaches great importance to China's role in resolving the Syria issue and is willing to stay in touch with the Chinese side. The two diplomats also exchanged views on reopening the six- party talks on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.