Premier Li Keqiang met with Surinamese President Desire Delano Bouterse, who is in China for his first state visit, at the Great Hall of the People on Nov 27 in Beijing.

Premier Li said although China and Suriname are far from each other, people in the two countries have a deep friendship. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties more than 40 years ago, bilateral ties have seen steady and healthy development.

President Xi Jinping’s talks with Bouterse will promote the bilateral relations to a new level, said Premier Li.

He added that based on the principles of mutual respect and equal treatment, China is willing to deepen political trust, link development strategies, advance pragmatic cooperation, and expand people-to-people exchanges with Suriname, achieving mutual benefits and win-win results.

China understands the concerns of Caribbean nations on climate change, Premier Li stressed, saying that dealing with climate change and promoting sustainable environmental improvement are also in line with China's own development demands.

He said China will maintain its economy running at a reasonable range, while promoting continuous improvements in the environment. Through unremitting efforts, the nation is expected to achieve this year's emission target, and is able to complete the emission target set in the 13th Five-Year Plan, he added.

He also said China is glad to work with other countries in full implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

For his part, Bouterse said the friendship between Suriname and China has a long history. In the past 70 years, China has achieved remarkable achievements and made contributions to other countries' development. Suriname firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is grateful for China’s selfless assistance, he added.

He further said that Suriname is willing to promote cooperation with China in various fields and strengthen communication on international issues such as climate change, to usher in a new era of bilateral relations.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and He Lifeng, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also attended the meeting.