During the meeting with Ugandan Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi, Hu said China will actively explore new ways and new fields in the development of bilateral cooperation with the east African country.

Referring to the challenges brought about by globalization to the developing countries, the vice president said China is willing to make joint efforts with Uganda to seek common progress and usher in a new chapter of friendly cooperation between the two countries in the new century.

He said the Chinese government and people cherish very much the traditional friendship with Uganda, adding that in the past 38 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have developed smoothly and the cooperation in various fields have been expanded greatly.

Especially in recent years, Hu said, the exchange of high-level visit and bilateral contacts have increased and mutual understanding and trust deepened. China is satisfied with its friendly relations with Uganda, he said.

During the meeting, Nsibambi said the Ugandan government and people express great appreciation for China's assistance to Uganda in the past years.

China's aid projects like the donation of National Stadium, scholarship offers and sending medical teams to Uganda have contributed greatly to the economic progress and social development in the country, he said.

The prime minister stressed that Uganda has attached great importance to its relations with China and will expand its cooperation with China in various fields.

(Xinhua 01/19/01)