Both China and Iceland share common interests in maintaining world peace and promoting joint development, said Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan while talking with his Icelandic counterpart Halldor Asgrimsson here Monday.

On the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and equality, China and Iceland have cooperated well since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, and have made satisfactory achievements, said Tang.

The bilateral relations have bright prospects, Tang said. " China attaches great importance to the ties with Iceland, and is willing to make joint efforts together with Iceland to push forward the development of China-Iceland relations."

Asgrimsson, also minister of foreign trade of Iceland, who arrived in Beijing on October 27, said that under the current international circumstances, Iceland is paying more attention to China's status and role in world affairs, and wishes to strengthen negotiations and cooperation with China in this regard.

Both sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues of common concern.

( Xinhua News Agency 10/29/2001)