China is ready to work with the Bahamas to increase political trust and economic cooperation, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Monday when he held talks with Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie.

"China and the Bahamas, both developing countries, are facing the common tasks of safeguarding the national sovereignty and developing the economy, thus enhancing the bilateral relations is in conformity with the fundamental interests of the two peoples," said Wen.

Wen called recent Sino-Bahamas relations "satisfactory," indicating that the Bahamas has become China's second largest trading partner in the English-speaking Caribbean area.

In addition, the two countries have conducted sound cooperation culture and education, he said.

Wen also expressed appreciation for the support of the Bahamas on the one-China policy.

Christie responded Wen with the reaffirmation of one-China policy, saying that the Bahamas is committed to developing the friendly and reciprocal cooperation with China.

He expressed gratitude for China's support to the Bahamas' economic and social development, hoping to expand the cooperation on tourism, agriculture and fishery.

The two sides also signed three documents Monday to promote economic and cultural cooperation. Wen and Christie were present at the signing ceremony.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2004)