China is a crucial strategic partner for Malta, Labour leader Joseph Muscat told a delegation from the Chinese International Department of the Central Committee during a meeting yesterday.

Dr Muscat said the Labour Party was looking forward to strengthening the relationship between the two countries in the future.

The delegation was led by deputy minister Liu Jieyi.

Dr Muscat said his party believed in strong relations with countries such as China, the US and Russia.

He recalled that Muscat said that three years ago he had positive talks in Beijing with the International Department, adding that it was the Labour Party that had pioneered relations with China 40 years ago.

Deputy Minister Liu Jieyi expressed his regrets at the death of former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff and described him as an important political figure not only for Malta but also for the establishment of relations with China.

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