Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao met with Beninese Minister of State for Defense Pierre Osho and his party in Beijing Friday.
Hu, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, saidthat since their resumption of diplomatic relations, the bilateralties between China and Benin had progressed smoothly, and the two countries have made effective exchanges and cooperation in various fields and supported each other in the international arena.
China appreciated Benin's dedication to national unity and economic development and efforts in fast-tracking regional economic integration.
While thanking the Beninese government for its valuable supportto China on the issues concerning Taiwan and human rights, Hu said further efforts to beef up and deepen bilateral friendly, cooperative ties would be conducive to the construction of both countries as well as regional peace, stability and development.
China was ready to join with Benin in continuously lifting bilateral friendly, cooperative ties in their military field to a still new, higher level, Hu added.
Meanwhile, Osho said Benin and China enjoyed a profound friendship as their friendly cooperative relationship indicated.
China had, over the years, rendered selfless assistance to Benin, for which he was very grateful, Osho said. Benin would reinforce and increase its exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields and actively promote the relations between the armed forces of the two countries.
Moreover, he praised China's tremendous achievements since the country adopted the policy of reform and opening to the outside world, adding that China had set a good example for developing nations such as Benin in safeguarding national sovereignty and carrying out modernization construction.
(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2002)
