To consolidate bilateral ties in the wake of the two-day Beijing
Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation top Chinese and
visiting African leaders met yesterday.
Chinese President Hu Jintao met South African President Thabo
Mbeki and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika separately. They
attended the Beijing summit before beginning state visits.
Hu and Mbeki agreed that the two countries would work together
to promote the development of a new China-Africa strategic
partnership and enhance coordination and collaboration in
international affairs.
The development of bilateral relations had been comprehensive
and rapid since the two countries established diplomatic ties nine
years ago, Hu said. The two presidents reached consensus on a
long-term and stable strategic partnership on the basis of
equality, mutual benefit and common development.
Hu made four proposals to that effect:-The two sides enhance
political trust and strategic consultation and maintain high-level
contacts. Based on complementary strengths they raise trade and
economic cooperation to new heights. Increase diplomatic
consultation and enhance coordination and collaboration. Increase
personnel and cultural exchanges.
Hu also voiced appreciation for South Africa's adherence to the
one-China policy and active support for reunification.
Mbeki said South Africa welcomed Chinese enterprises to bid for
the construction of stadiums for the 2010 World Cup in his
country.
Hu and his Algerian counterpart Bouteflika signed a statement on
developing strategic cooperative relations after their talks and
witnessed the signing of seven other agreements. They included an
extradition treaty and agreements on criminal judicial assistance,
bilateral economic and technological cooperation and civil
aviation.
Hu said the two countries should enhance political friendship
and deepen cooperation especially in infrastructure construction,
communications and telecommunication sectors.
The two should expand their exchanges in public health, science
and technology, culture, tourism and human resources training, said
Hu. He noted that Algeria had been designated an approved
destination for Chinese tour groups.
Bouteflika explained that Algeria sought strategic cooperation
with China in the investment, trade, agriculture, water
conservancy, culture, and science and technology sectors.
Hu also separately met Benin President Thomas Boni Yayi, Togo
President Faure Gnassingbe, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki,
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Nigerian President Mamadou
Tandja.
The leaders all expressed their appreciation for the
China-African summit which they believed reflected China's genuine
friendship and would bring benefits to African people.
High-ranking Chinese leaders, including top legislator Wu
Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and chairman of the country's top
political advisory body Jia Qinglin, also met a number of African
leaders yesterday.
Premier Wen said China understood the concerns of African
countries on textile trade and was making unremitting efforts to
ensure the balanced development of the industry throughout the
world.
(China Daily November 7, 2006)
