Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and the Ukraine issue.

In a telephone conversation, Li said that China highly values its relations with Poland and would like to develop their strategic partnership based on the principle of equality and mutual respect.

China is expecting Poland, which is a member of the European Union (EU) and one of the major players in central-eastern European countries, to make new contributions to advancing cooperation between China and the central-eastern European countries as well as the China-EU cooperation, Li said.

Recalling that he and Li achieved much consensus on deepening China-Poland relations and cooperation at the Bucharest meeting last year, Tusk said that Poland is ready to work with China to score more achievements in pushing forward bilateral relations and cooperation between China and the central-eastern European countries.

Tusk briefed Li on Poland's position the Ukraine issue.

Stressing China's principled stance, Li said, given the sensitivity of the Ukraine issue, it is very important for all parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint.

China has always adopted an objective and fair stance and worked actively for a negotiated settlement, he noted.

China hoped that all parties concerned would resolve their differences through communication and negotiation, Li said, adding that China is ready to work with the international community to facilitate a political solution to the issue.

During their talks, the Polish prime minister also extended sympathy over the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines passenger jet with 154 Chinese aboard.

Li said that China is cooperating closely with various countries concerned in an increased effort to search for the missing jet and properly hand relevant issues.