On Nov 1, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose Valencia co-chaired the eighth political consultation between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

Wang said, China is Ecuador's first comprehensive strategic partner in the world. China and Ecuador have always understood, respected and supported each other. The two sides should consolidate political mutual trust, well celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, and push the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Ecuador to a new level. China is willing to jointly study and formulate a "Belt and Road Initiative" cooperation plan with Ecuador, and strive for an early harvest. China welcomes Ecuador to the second China International Import Expo, and congratulates Ecuador on becoming the first country in Latin America to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The two sides should also promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of education, tourism and other people-to-people fields.

The state councilor said, the world today is facing great changes that have not occurred in a hundred years. Multilateralism is the "amulet" for small and medium-sized countries to defend their legitimate rights and interests. The two countries should support each other on issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns. China is willing to work with Ecuador to hold highly the banner of multilateralism, and firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations as the core, the international order based on international laws and the multilateral trading system represented by the WTO.

Valencia congratulated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and thanked China for its selfless help in economic construction in Ecuador over the years.

Valencia said, Ecuador attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, and adheres to the one-China policy. Ecuador is willing to jointly hold a series of activities with China on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, and take this as an opportunity to promote greater development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Ecuador and China. Ecuador is willing to work with China to jointly build "Belt and Road Initiative", deepen practical cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, culture, and education. Ecuador and China should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, jointly safeguard multilateralism, and maintain a rules-based international trade order.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.