China and Tunisia will work together to advance cooperation between China and Africa, officials from both countries said in Beijing Wednesday.

 

Vice President Zeng Qinghong met Wednesday afternoon with Tunisian Foreign Minister Abdelwaheb Abdallah, who is making his first visit to China since assuming office in August.

 

During the meeting, Zeng said China was willing to work with African friends to secure the success of a summit meeting of China and African countries that is to be held in Beijing later this year.

 

Zeng said the summit, to be held during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, aimed to advance friendly relations in an all-round way. He emphasized the importance of the good relations with African countries on the basis of equality, mutual trust and cooperation.

 

Abdallah said Tunisia was willing to contribute to the expansion of Africa-China relations.

 

Zeng expressed the willingness to further strengthen bilateral links, enhance consultation and coordination with Tunisia on international affairs.

 

Abdallah said Tunisia was ready to strengthen cooperation with China in all fields, praising bilateral relations as a model of relationship between developing countries.

 

China and Tunisia have formed a long-standing friendship since they established official relations 42 years ago.

 

Zeng visited Tunisia last year.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2006)