BEIJING -- Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli met with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam Thursday, pledging to strengthen bilateral relations.

China will work with Singapore to enhance political trust, cooperate under the Belt and Road Initiative, expand financial cooperation, and collaborate within multilateral frameworks, Zhang said.

Zhang called on both countries to contribute to trade liberalization and economic globalization as the world economy faces uncertainties and challenges.

Tharman congratulated China on the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. He said Singapore will work with China under the Belt and Road Initiative to promote cooperation in connectivity and finance and partnerships with third parties.