China to work closely with Malta to further consolidate political mutual trust: spokeswoman

China will work closely with Malta to further consolidate political mutual trust, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday in Beijing when announcing a visit to China by the Maltese Deputy Prime Minister from Sunday to next Wednesday.

"At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, will pay an official visit to China from July 13 to 16," the spokesperson announced at a regular press briefing.

When asked to comment on the event, Mao reiterated China's current relations with Malta and its expectations for this visit.

"China and Malta enjoy traditional friendship. Over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have conducted friendly cooperation with mutual respect. Through this visit, China stands ready to work with Malta to consolidate political mutual trust further, discuss how to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, tourism, and education, and inject fresh impetus into the sound and steady growth of China-Malta and China-EU relations," she said.

China to work closely with Malta to further consolidate political mutual trust: spokeswoman

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela