Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked China for supporting his country’s territorial integrity and emphasised the two nations’ improving bilateral relations amid China’s intensified efforts to mediate peace.
“Before the war Ukraine and China had a large volume of trade. Of course, we want it to be restored and our relations to be stronger in more areas,” Zelensky said.
Ma, who arrived in Kyiv last month, said he had full confidence in deeper bilateral ties.
The Ukrainian president also addressed North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine war and urged China to leverage its influence and “a strong voice”.
Since October, Pyongyang has reportedly sent thousands of soldiers to fight for Russia in the war, including in the Kursk border region, although neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has directly confirmed reports that North Korean soldiers are taking part in the conflict.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said more than 1,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded in the war.
As the Ukraine war escalates, China has continuously positioned itself as a peacemaker and presented a neutral stance in the conflict.
