Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said the Chinese government treasures its traditional friendship with Tanzania, and is ready to make concerted efforts with the Tanzanian government in the new century to push forward bilateral ties.

Zhu made the remark in Beijing Thursday afternoon when meeting with visiting Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Jakaya Kikwete.

Since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 37 years ago, there have been frequent exchanges of high-level visits, and they have been supported each other and cooperated closely in domestic construction and international affairs, Zhu said.

He expressed his appreciation for Tanzania's consistent and firm support for China on major issues like Taiwan and Tibet.

To further consolidate and develop such a relationship is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and their peoples, Zhu noted.

He voiced his appreciation for Tanzania's positive role in promoting unity and cooperation among developing countries, and safeguarding African peace and stability.

Kikwete spoke highly of the traditional Tanzania-China friendship and cooperation, and said Tanzania's leaders, government and people have always viewed China as their best friend, hoping for further development of their bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Kikwete said his country is concentrating on economic reform, and has adopted preferential policies in a bid to create a better investment environment to attract more foreign investment.

He reiterated that the Tanzanian government will unswervingly adhere to the "one-China" principle and support China on major issues like human rights.

He said the Tanzanian leaders and government highly appreciate China's settlement of the air collision incident with the US recently and support China's position.

(Xinhua 06/07/2001)