Beijing, July 14th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Ian Borg, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party of Malta, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta. 

Liu noted that China and Malta are good friends that have stood the test of time. China is willing to work with Malta to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, expand exchanges in culture, education, tourism and other sectors, and promote new progress in China-Malta relations. Calling Malta a bridge between China and Europe, Liu expressed the hope that Malta will continue to play a constructive role in the European Union (EU) and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. 

Liu stated that the CPC stands ready to maintain institutionalized exchanges with the Labour Party of Malta, strengthen political dialogue, and promote exchanges between think tanks, media outlets, and youth organizations, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and continuously consolidate the social and political foundations of China-Malta relations. The world today is undergoing both transformation and upheaval. China adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace. China will steadfastly further deepen reforms comprehensively, expand high-level opening-up, and comprehensively promote Chinese modernization. China is willing to share development opportunities with all countries in the world, including Malta, and inject stability and certainty into the world. 

Borg said, I visited China for the first time in 2006 and witnessed the tremendous achievements China has made in economic and social development in recent years. In particular, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has eliminated absolute poverty and realized many dreams. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and China, bilateral relationship has maintained sound development. Malta firmly adheres to the one-China policy, supports and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation, and is willing to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, ports, new energy vehicles, climate change, and tourism. Despite different sizes and social systems, Malta and China have similar views on many issues. Malta is willing to actively promote the development of EU-China relations. Both major political parties in Malta pursue friendly policies toward China. The Labour Party is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogues with the CPC, promote youth exchanges, and pass on the friendship between Malta and China. 

Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.