Top Chinese leaders met visiting African leaders yesterday to
consolidate bilateral ties in the wake of the two-day Beijing
Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
President Hu Jintao separately met South African President Thabo
Mbeki and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who attended the
Beijing summit before beginning their 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 has 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
co-operation 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 to China's reunification.
Mbeki said South Africa welcomes 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 include an extradition treaty and agreements on criminal
judicial assistance, bilateral economic and technological
cooperation and civil aviation.
Hu said that the two countries should enhance political
friendship and deepen cooperation, especially in infrastructure
construction, communications and telecommunication sectors.
The two sides should expand their exchanges in public health,
science and technology, culture, tourism and human resources
training, said Hu, noting that Algeria has been designated an
approved destination for Chinese tour groups.
Bouteflika told Hu that Algeria wants strategic cooperation with
China in 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.
All the leaders expressed their appreciation for the
China-African summit, which they believe reflects China's genuine
friendship and 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 some African leaders
yesterday.
Premier Wen said that China understands the concerns of African
countries on textile trade and is making unremitting efforts for
the balanced development of textile trade in the world.
(China Daily November 7, 2006)