China rolled out red carpet for visiting Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe yesterday and agreed to further strengthen traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with the African nation.

During an hour-long talk with Mugabe, President Hu Jintao suggested the two sides further develop the long-term, stable and cooperative friendship in four aspects.

"Firstly, the two sides should maintain high-level visits and improve the friendly exchanges between the governments, parliaments and parties to further consolidate the political foundation for the China-Zimbabwe ties," Hu said.

Secondly, Hu suggested the two countries expand trade and economic cooperation and seek win-win results through mutually beneficial cooperation to achieve common development. He also hoped the two will actively search for new ways to expand bilateral trade and fully implement the contracted cooperative projects. Hu promised China will continue to encourage and support the mutually beneficial cooperation between companies of the two countries.

Thirdly, Hu said China also hopes to improve cooperation with Zimbabwe in the field of human resources and continue to expand cultural, educational and health cooperation to promote the development of social causes.

Fourthly, Hu suggested China and Zimbabwe improve coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.

In response, Mugabe said it is very important to further promote Zimbabwe-China ties in the new century since cooperation between the two countries has covered all areas.

He said Zimbabwe will fully implement the cooperative agreements reached between the two countries to boost pragmatic cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, educational and health areas.

China and Zimbabwe forged full diplomatic ties in 1980. Hu said China's relations with Zimbabwe have grown smoothly over the past years.

He said China appreciates Zimbabwe's firm adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China's efforts to realize national reunification.

"It has been well established that China and Zimbabwe are sincere friends and trustworthy partners," Hu said.

Mugabe said Zimbabwe will never forget China's great support for its struggle for national independence and endeavor to develop its national economy.

He also reiterated that his government will firmly abide by the one-China policy.

On China-Africa relations, Hu said China attaches great importance to cooperation with African countries.

He said the China-Africa Cooperation Forum has become an effective mechanism for the two parties to conduct dialogue and pragmatic cooperation.

He said China is willing to join with all African countries to host the new ministerial meeting under the China-Africa Cooperation Forum next year and turn it into a success.

Mugabe said China is Africa's sincere friend and Zimbabwe values the important role of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. He said Zimbabwe is willing to join with China to improve China-Africa partnership to safeguard the rights and interests of developing nations and promote common development.

After the talks between the two leaders, Chinese and Zimbabwean officials signed several documents including an economic and technological cooperation agreement between the two governments.

Mugabe started a weeklong visit to China on Saturday evening.

During his stay, he will also meet with top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2005)