China will develop a long-term and stable relationship with the Bahamas based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, said Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing Tuesday.
 
Hu told visiting Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie that Sino-Bahamas relations have developed steadily and the cooperation has been fruitful since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

He also recalled the traditional friendship between China and the Bahamas, saying that former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai had sent a congratulatory message for the independence of the Bahamas.

Hu expressed appreciation for the adherence of the Bahamas on the one-China policy and its support to China's reunification cause.

Christie said that the Bahamas values the friendship with China, and believes that the friendship with China will benefit the peoples of the two countries. "China's development will make the world more balanced," he added.

He reaffirmed that the Bahamas will continue to adhere to the one-China policy, hoping to push forward the relationship between the Bahamas and China through his visit.

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2004)