China is willing to work with Vanuatu to chart a comprehensive strategic partnership to promote bilateral ties which will usher in a bright prospect, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks when he met with Vanuatu President Tallis Obed Moses in Port Vila, capital of the island nation.

Wang said this year is of great significance, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vanuatu.

The friendship between the two countries has continuously deepened with growing mutual trust and fruitful cooperation, Wang said, adding that it has delivered benefits to both peoples. He believed the established bilateral ties will be immune from interference and make steady progress.

During the talks, Wang underlined that China, unlike certain major powers, always adheres to sovereign equality and treats all developing countries, especially small-and-medium sized ones, with sincerity and equality.

China also resolutely upholds legitimate rights and interests of developing countries in the region and on the international level, in the United Nations' systems particularly, he added.

While pledging its commitment to enhancing unity and coordination with developing countries, Wang reiterated that China would continue to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs to safeguard international fairness and justice.

Moses warmly welcomes Wang's visit on the anniversary and said the two countries have solid mutual trust.

China has proved to be Vanuatu’s true friend with its concrete actions, he said, adding that China always heeds Vanuatu's needs and helps the country improve people's livelihood and build infrastructure.

The president vowed Vanuatu will continue to abide by the one-China principle and take it as the cornerstone to promote bilateral relations to achieve greater development.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in a bid to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Wang appreciated that Vanuatu includes Chinese in its national education system and expressed readiness to support more of Vanuatu's youths to learn Chinese so as to sustain friendship between the two countries.