KINGSTON, Feb. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- China and Jamaica decided on Tuesday to establish friendly partnership of common development.

    The announcement came following a meeting between visiting Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong and Jamaican Governor-General Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke.

    The two sides also declared that Jamaica recognizes the full market economy status of China, which in return lists Jamaica as a tourism destination for its citizens.

    Zeng noted that since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 30-plus years ago, bilateral relations have been developed steadily and contacts at various levels have been frequent.

    China is satisfied with the development of the relations, Zeng said, noting that bilateral cooperation is fruitful in the political, economic and cultural sectors and in international affairs.

    China appreciated Jamaica's adherence to the one-China policy on the Taiwan issue, Zeng said, adding that China is ready to joinhands with Jamaica to enrich the contents of the friendly partnership of common development.

    Cooke, for his part, said the friendly bilateral ties have benefited the two peoples and Jamaica hopes that this relationshipwill become better and closer.

    Also on Tuesday, Zeng held talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Percival Noel James Patterson.

    Zeng called for efforts from both sides to expand economic and trade cooperation and further promote bilateral partnership.

    The Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to conduct various forms of economic and trade cooperation with Jamaica, Zengsaid.

    He said the first ministerial meeting of the China-Caribbean economic and trade cooperation forum, scheduled to open here Wednesday, will provide a platform for exchanges between entrepreneurs from China and the Caribbean countries, including Jamaica.

    Related departments of the two countries should have an in-depth exchange of views on the mechanism of the forum and strengthen cooperation to prolong its effectiveness, he said.

    Patterson agreed to Zeng's proposals, saying they are practicaland feasible. He hoped that Jamaica's cooperation with China will be reinforced in infrastructure, sports and the entertainment industry and his country expects to coordinate with China in international economic affairs.

    The prime minister reiterated Jamaica's adherence to the one-China policy.

    After the talks, the two sides signed eight cooperation accordson economy, technology, culture and tourism.

    Zeng arrived in Jamaica Tuesday, the last leg of his five-nation Latin America and Caribbean tour, which also took him to Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. He is scheduled to leave here for Beijing on Thursday. Enditem