UPDATE 1-China and Sweden need face-to-face dialogue to rebuild trust, foreign minister says

Stenergard welcomed China's message that it would soon extend visa exemption for Swedes visiting China, and said she appreciated talks on matters of universal concern such as security and bilateral issues. "In times of global uncertainty, more dialogue - not less - is needed," she wrote on X.

(Adds Swedish foreign minister's response in paragraphs 4-5) BEIJING, Oct 16 (Reuters) -

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Swedish counterpart Maria Malmer Stenergard that face-to-face dialogue was needed to rebuild trust between the countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday. During a meeting in Beijing following years of strained relations, Wang expressed hope that Sweden would develop ties with China with an "independent and strategic mindset".

Beijing is willing to expand trade and investment cooperation with Stockholm and implement a visa-free policy for Sweden, Wang said. Stenergard welcomed China's message that it would soon extend visa exemption for Swedes visiting China, and said she appreciated talks on matters of universal concern such as security and bilateral issues.

"In times of global uncertainty, more dialogue - not less - is needed," she wrote on X.

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