Top legislator Wu Bangguo said on Friday that China will expand cooperation with Zimbabwe in areas including mineral, infrastructure and telecommunications in an efforts for common and mutually-beneficial development.

 

"China and Zimbabwe enjoy potentials for further cooperation as the two countries have respective advantages in fields such as resources, technique and market," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

 

Wu made the remarks while meeting with Speaker of Zimbabwe's House of Assembly John Nkomo, who is heading a parliamentary delegation on a China tour from September 23 to 30.

 

Wu also suggested the increasing parliamentary exchanges between the two countries make contribution to China-Zimbabwe relations.

 

Top advisor Jia Qinglin also met with Nkomo on Friday, hailing the deepening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

 

"China sees Zimbabwe as a reliable friend and an important cooperative partner, and will make joint efforts with Zimbabwe to enhance pragmatic cooperation in various levels and fields," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's advisory body.

 

Nkomo appreciated China's policy on friendly cooperation with Africa, saying Zimbabwe will never change its stance on one-China policy.

 

China released its first African policy paper early this year, putting forward its proposals for all-round cooperation with Africa in various fields in the coming years.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2006)