China and Latvia Coordinate Rescue for Missing Citizens

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze held phone talks on September 14 to coordinate rescue operations following a disaster in the Xizang Autonomous Region. An ice-rock avalanche in Nepal triggered mudslides in Gyirong County, leaving 33 Latvian citizens missing. Latvia is currently the European country with the highest number of missing persons in the event.

Wang Yi expressed condolences to the families of the missing and committed to continuing search and rescue operations. He stated that China treats Chinese and foreign nationals equally in its assistance efforts. The two ministers also used the call to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Latvia.

During the discussion, Wang Yi highlighted China's unilateral visa-free policy for Latvian citizens as a sign of trust between the two nations. Minister Braze expressed appreciation for the ongoing rescue efforts conducted by the Chinese government.