Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Wednesday talked with his Swedish counterpart Jan Eliasson, on promoting bilateral ties and exchanging views on Middle East.

 

Both Li and Eliasson were "seriously concerned" about the Middle East situation and demanded the parties concerned keep restraint and cease fire immediately, said a foreign ministry statement.

 

They supported the UN Secretary General's mediation and favored the UN Security Council to take necessary actions.

 

Li and Eliasson emphasized that all countries should be committed to increasing the role of multi-lateralism.

    

Li hailed Eliasson's work as the President of the UN General Assembly since 2006.

 

"China will continuously support you and facilitate your work," Li told Eliasson.

 

They also vowed to boost trust and promote China-Sweden ties.

 

Eliasson said the government of Sweden will continuously abide by the one-China policy.

 

They also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the Iran nuclear issue.

 

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia are in China for a six-day state visit, with a replica of the 18th century Swedish merchant ship Gotheborg arriving in south China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 20, 2006)