At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit China from January 26 to 27, during which the two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

Q: The Croatian parliament on January 22 voted confidence in the new government. Tihomir Orešković was sworn in as the Prime Minister. What is China's comment?

A: China congratulates Croatia on its establishment of the new government. Premier Li Keqiang has sent congratulatory message to Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković.

China-Croatia relations are moving forward steadily with frequent high-level visits and positive progress in exchanges and cooperation in various fields. China attaches high importance to developing relations with Croatia and stands ready to work with the new government to elevate practical cooperation and push forward the comprehensive cooperative partnership by fully tapping into the China-Central and Eastern Europe cooperation platform of "16+1" on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Q: Do you have any details on the visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry?

A: As for Secretary of State John Kerry's visit in China, we will release relevant information in due course.

We hope his visit will help promote our communication on a range of major issues, enhance coordination and cooperation in various fields, and contribute to the sound and steady development of China-US relations.

Q: Two Chinese citizens were killed and one injured in an attack in Laos. Is China concerned about this? Has the Chinese side reached out to the Lao side?

A: On the morning of January 24, unidentified attackers carried out a violent attack in the province of Xaysomboun, Laos, killing two Chinese citizens and injuring one. Attaching high importance to this incident, the Chinese Embassy in Laos launched emergency response mechanism immediately, and worked with the Lao side to treat the injured and properly deal with the aftermath. The consular officials of the Embassy have visited the injured citizen in the hospital. China is in close contact with relevant departments in Laos, asking them to solve the case as soon as possible and take effective measures to ensure the safety of life and property of Chinese citizens in Laos. The Lao side is investigating this incident. The Chinese Embassy in Laos has advised Chinese citizens in Laos to heighten safety precautions.

Q: The Afghan Foreign Minister is in China for an official visit. What will be discussed between the two sides?

A: At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani is in China for an official visit from January 25 to 28. This is Foreign Minister Rabbani's first visit to China since assuming office and also the first high-level exchange between China and Afghanistan this year. Both sides attach great importance to this visit. During Foreign Minister Rabbani's stay here, Chinese leaders will meet with him, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him.

Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides as well as the Year for China-Afghanistan Friendly Cooperation. Leaders from the two sides met on several bilateral and multilateral occasions. Exchanges and cooperation in various fields were productive. We hope that through this visit, the two sides can implement consensus reached by the two leaders, chart the course for this year's development of bilateral relations, and move forward China-Afghanistan Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Q: On January 23, Nepal's parliament endorsed the first amendment to the Constitution, ensuring higher representation of the Madhesis in the parliament and putting in place relevant clause to protect their rights and interests in elections. What is China's comment?

A: The Chinese side follows closely the situation in Nepal and welcomes the efforts made by the Nepali government and relevant parties to resolve differences through dialogues. As a friendly neighbor, we sincerely hope that all parties in Nepal can bear in mind the fundamental interests of the nation and people, resolve differences through dialogues and consultations at an early date, restore stability to Nepal as soon as possible, and work in concert to pursue post-disaster rebuilding and long-term development.

Q: The Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister said on January 15 that Ukraine launched its cargo train to China on that day which travels along the Silk Road Economic Belt via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan before reaching China. It is partially loaded with iron ore and is due to bring back Chinese building materials and commodity goods. Can you tell us more about this route? What is your reaction?

A: Eurasian countries are all very supportive of the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and have been playing an active part in it. Besides the Trans-Siberian Railway and the New Eurasian Land Bridge (starting from Lianyungang, via Xinjiang, Kazakhstan, Russia to Europe) that connect northeast and northern China with Europe, in recent years, new railway lines for cargo transport (Chongqing-Xinjiang-Kazakhstan-Russia-Europe, Zhengzhou-Xinjiang-Kazakhstan-Russia-Europe) have been opened. This is of great significance to promote infrastructure connectivity and facilitate trade along the Silk Road Economic Belt. As for the new route that Ukraine has developed with relevant countries, China also welcomes that.

Q: An international conference on the issue of Syrian refugees will be held in London, the UK on February 4. US President Obama will attend this meeting. Will China take part in it? Who will represent China at the meeting?

A: I need to get more information about this meeting you mentioned.

We believe that in order to fundamentally resolve the issue of Syrian refugees, a political settlement of the Syrian issue must be reached at an early date. A rare window of opportunity for that has presented itself. The Syrian government and the opposition will start peace talks very soon under the auspices of the UN. China welcomes and supports that. We call on the international community to jointly maintain this positive momentum and encourage the two negotiating parties to bear in mind the long-term interests of the state and the fundamental interests of the Syrian people, show flexibility, seek common ground while narrowing down differences, accumulate and expand consensus, and keep the talks going until they reach some results. The Chinese side will continue to play a positive and constructive role in moving the Syrian issue towards a political settlement.