The development of friendly and cooperative relations between China and Senegal is in the fundamental interests of both countries, Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Wednesday.

 

During a meeting with Senegal Prime Minister Macky Sall in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wen expressed confidence that relations would continue to progress as long as the two sides strengthened cooperation.

 

Wen, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said the CPC and the Democratic Party of Senegal should strengthen exchanges so as to learn each other's experience in governance.

 

Wen said the CPC was ready to join with the Democratic Party of Senegal to reinforce and expand relations.

 

Sall said the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries last October reflected the strategic vision, patience and tolerance of Chinese leaders.

 

The people of Senegal had benefited greatly from the resumption of official ties with China.

 

On behalf of Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade, the government and Democratic Party of Senegal, Sall reiterated that Senegal would adhere to the one-China policy and support China's reunification.

 

Sall, also deputy general secretary of the Democratic Party of Senegal, is in Beijing for a nine-day visit to China at the invitation of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

 

China set an example for other developing countries with its peaceful development. Senegal is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China, Sall said.

 

Senior officials from the CPC Central Committee's International Department and its United Front Work Department, the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the meeting.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2006)