Chinese state councilor meets Kerry

BEIJING, Feb. 14 -- State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Friday told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that China and the United States should deal with their differences and disputes properly.

China-U.S. cooperation is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries but crucial to world peace, stability and prosperity, Yang said, according to an official press release.

He called on the two sides to implement the consensus between President Xi Jinping and President Barack Obama on a new model of relationship between major countries.

The two countries should maintain high-level contact and strategic communication, promote bilateral strategic and economic dialogue, enhance cooperation in bilateral, regional and international fields, Yang said.

He urged respect and taking care of each other's core interests and major concerns as well as properly handling differences and disputes.

Kerry said that the United States and China shares many common interests and called on both sides to find a way to strengthen practical cooperation and handle differences to build a new U.S.-China relationship.

On Syria issue, Yang stressed the only way to defuse the crisis is a political settlement. He said the international community should persuade the Syrian government and opposition to keep negotiating and seek a consensus.

China pays high attention to the humanitarian situation in Syria, Yang said, noting the country will continue to provide necessary assistance.

Yang hailed the interim nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers which took effect last month, calling it important progress in settling decades of standoff.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, reached the interim nuclear deal in November last year. Iran will halt part of its nuclear program for six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief.

On Jan. 20, Iran suspended 20 percent uranium enrichment in Natanz and Fordow in implementation of its obligations to the deal. The United States then eased some economic sanctions.

Yang hoped all parties would consolidate progress and work for a comprehensive, long-term settlement.

Kerry, in return, said the United States appreciates China's constructive role in issues regarding Syria and Iran, and hopes to maintain communication and cooperation.

They also conferred on the Korean Peninsula, Afghanistan and other matters of common concern.