Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Thursday held a pre-arranged telephone conversation with his new British counterpart William Hague, and expressed hope for closer bilateral coordination and cooperation.

While extending his congratulations to Hague once again, Yang stressed that it is of particular significance that China and Britain, as two permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, strengthen coordination on international politics, security, economy and other important issues.

China is ready to join hands with Britain to give fresh impetus to the comprehensive strategic China-Britain partnership for further and larger achievements, said Yang, who is currently in Ukraine for an official visit.

For his part, the British foreign secretary said that his country is willing to establish strong ties with China and stands ready to boost bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding.

He added that Britain expects to strengthen bilateral exchange and collaboration in various fields and enhance communication and coordination with China on international affairs, including those concerning the Group of 20 and the United Nations.