Tongan Prime Minister Feleti Sevele met with visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Thursday and the two agreed on ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in a number of areas.

 

Bilateral ties have grown rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1998, Li said, according to reports reaching Wellington from Nukualofa, capital of the Pacific archipelago.

 

There have been frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries in efforts to promote bilateral cooperation in such fields as trade and investment, Li said, adding that cooperation between the two countries' enterprises is gaining momentum.

 

Li said China is ready to continue to offer help in Tonga's socio-economic development and to strengthen cooperation in technical and personnel training.

 

Li also expressed China's appreciation for Tonga's adherence to the one-China policy.

 

At the meeting, Sevele said the Tongan government pursues a policy of maintaining friendly relations with China and steadfastly supports China's great cause of reunification.

 

Expressing his welcome for more Chinese enterprises to invest in Tonga, Sevele said Tonga is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as agriculture, fishing and tourism.

 

During a meeting with the Crown Prince Tupouto'a, the Prince Regent, Li thanked the royal family of Tonga for its efforts to promote the friendly relations between the two countries.

 

During his stay in Tonga, Li also held talks with Tongan Foreign Minister Sonatane Tua Taumoepeau Tupou on ways of promoting the development of bilateral ties. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2006)