Iceland, China vow to advance bilateral ties

REYKJAVIK - The President of Iceland Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson met a senior Chinese political advisor here on Tuesday, with both sides vowing to advance relations between the two countries and expand cooperation in various fields.

Zhang Qingli, vice chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's warm regards and good wishes to Johannesson.

He said since China and Iceland established diplomatic ties 47 years ago, the two countries have maintained frequent high-level visits and their political mutual trust has increased day by day.

Ties in trade, geothermal heat,tourism and the North Pole have been positive, Zhang said.

China is ready to work with Iceland to strengthen bilateral ties, he added.

The senior Chinese political advisor also briefed the Iceland side on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as well as the great achievements scored in China's economic and social development since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

For his part, Johannesson said the development of bilateral relations has kept good momentum and ties across a number of areas continue to expand.

Iceland is fully confident in the prospects of the advancement of the bilateral ties, the president said.

During the visit, Zhang also held talks with Parliament Speaker Steingrumur J. Sigfusson and Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson.