In a meeting with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that China values its relations with Zimbabwe and believes that mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for each other's choice of developing mode are the foundations to further developing China-Zimbabwe ties.

Wen said China wants to improve cooperation with Zimbabwe in mine exploitation, telecommunications network building and rural power grid reconstruction.

He expressed the hope that Zimbabwe will offer conveniences to Chinese companies running businesses there.

On the relations between China and Africa, Wen said: "China is the largest developing nation in the world and Africa is the continent which has the largest number of developing countries. China and Africa share many common interests."

Wen said enhancing solidarity and cooperation with Africa is an important component of China's foreign policy. "China has given its due support to Africa's economic development and personnel training through the China-Africa Cooperation Forum," Wen added.

Mugabe said that he is satisfied with the results of the visit, which fully demonstrates the aspiration of the two countries to deepen friendly cooperation.

"China is Zimbabwe's trustworthy friend and important partner," Mugabe said.

Mugabe said Zimbabwe appreciates China's efforts in promoting bilateral pragmatic cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and respect.

Mugabe added that the Zimbabwean government will continue to abide by the one-China policy and oppose "Taiwan independence".

Mugabe's week-long state visit began on Tuesday. He has also met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and the two countries have signed three official documents including an economic and technological agreement.

Mugabe met with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2005)