Both China and the United States should exert joint efforts to strengthen cooperation, properly handle the Taiwan issue in order to further promote the Sino-US constructive and cooperative relations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Santiago on Thursday.

 
The Chinese minister made the remarks while meeting with US Secretary of State Colin Powell on the sidelines of the 16th ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)forum, according to a press release issued by the Chinese delegation.

Li highly valued the current Sino-US ties, describing it as "facing new opportunities of development". The Chinese foreign minister also appreciated Powell's contribution to the development of bilateral ties.

During the meeting, Powell reiterated Washington's One-China policy, adherence to the Three US-China Joint Communiques, and not to support "Taiwan independence".

The US secretary of state expressed his satisfaction with the development of bilateral ties in the past four years. He said Washington will continue to work to push forward bilateral ties.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern.

The Chinese foreign minister also met separately with Canadian Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Indonesian Foreign Minister Nur Hassan Wirajuda on Thursday on the sidelines of APEC ministerial meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2004)