China promises continuous support for Iceland

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China will continue to back Iceland's efforts toward economic recovery.

Xi made the pledge during his meeting with visiting Icelandic Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir in downtown Beijing.

"China is willing to increase exchanges and mutual understanding with Iceland and boost bilateral cooperation in sectors such as clean and renewable energy and fisheries," Xi said.

Hailing the 42 years of robust growth in bilateral relations, Xi said the China-Iceland relationship has become a model for showcasing the friendly coexistence between nations of different sizes and social systems.

China is making its utmost efforts to fulfill its "two 100-year" goals by readjusting the economic development patterns and its industrial structures, reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment, Xi told Sigurdardottir, noting that China and Iceland's cooperation potential in strategic national development sectors is huge.

"The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the joint declaration inked yesterday between the two nations bear great significance in pushing forward bilateral relations," Xi added.

Sigurdardottir spoke highly of the achievements China has scored in its national development and expressed her appreciation for the country's support for Iceland in tackling the financial and economic crises.

The Icelandic people have forged unanimous support for the FTA deal with China and hope to step up cooperation with China in the fields of trade, energy, culture, social development and Arctic affairs, Sigurdardottir said.

Sigurdardottir arrived in Beijing on Saturday to pay a six-day official visit to China at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang.