Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong (R) shakes hands with President of Micronesia Joseph J. Urusemal during their meeting in Boao of south China's Hainan Province on April 21, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

BOAO, Hainan, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong on Friday met with Micronesian President Joseph J. Urusemal, who is here attending the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference 2006.

    Zeng hailed the Sino-Micronesian relations, saying it witnessed fast growth, frequent high-level contacts and fruitful cooperationin trade, economy, agriculture and fishery since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

    "Chinese people have always had friendly feelings toward Micronesian people though we have different history and culture," Zeng said, noting that China attaches importance to its relations with Micronesia.

    The two countries also cooperate well in the United Nations andin the Pacific island countries forum, Zeng said.

    Zeng briefed Urusemal on China's policy on the Taiwan issue and expressed his appreciation of the Micronesian government's adherence to the one-China policy.

    Urusemal spoke highly of China's economic progress and the increasingly active role it plays in the international arena.

    He reiterated that Micronesia will continuously stick to the one-China policy and strive to promote exchanges and cooperation with China.

    Urusemal appreciated China's assistance and support to Micronesia, saying China's decision to choose the Pacific island country as a destination for Chinese tourists will help promote exchanges between the two peoples.

    Some 850 Chinese and overseas officials, business people and scholars will attend the three-day event in the coastal scenic town in south China's island province of Hainan.

    Urusemal will pay an unofficial visit to China on the sideline of the forum. Enditem