China to deepen economic, trade ties with Cote d'Ivoire   

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Laurent Dono Fologo, head of the Economic and Social Council of Cote d'Ivoire, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 6, 2006. Laurent Dono Fologo attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was held on Nov. 4-5.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

 

    BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire to boost bilateral friendly ties, China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin said here Monday.

    "The peoples of the two countries enjoy deep traditional friendship. Our relations are time-tested and have endured the vicissitude of international situations," Jia told Laurent Dona Fologo, president of Cote d'Ivoire's Economic and Social Council, who attended the weekend Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said China appreciates Cote d'Ivoire's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

    "We are ready to expand economic and trade cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire based on the principle of mutual benefit to further push forward bilateral cooperation," Jia said.

    Fologo said Cote d'Ivoire welcomes Chinese enterprises to participate into his country's economic construction.

    He said China has always supported African people's efforts in maintaining national sovereignty and boosting economic development, and the cooperation between China and Africa has become an important part of South-South cooperation.

    China and Cote d'Ivoire forged diplomatic ties in 1983.

    Jia also met with Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, Chad's Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration Ahmad Allam-miand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and French Affairs Come Zoumara of the Central Africa Republic on Monday.

    Leaders and senior officials from 48 African countries that have established diplomatic ties with China attended the two-day Beijing Summit, which was regarded as a milestone in China-Africa history.

 China hopes to enhance co-op with Burundi

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 6, 2006. Pierre Nkurunziza attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Nov.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese chief political advisor Jia Qinglin said here Monday that China hopes to enhance cooperation with Burundi so as to upgrade China-Burundi ties to a higher level.

    "Burundi is a trustworthy and sincere friend of China. The traditional friendly cooperative ties between China and Burundi are showing new vitality in the new ear," Jia told Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is in China for the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held on Nov. 4-5.

    Jia said China will continue to support Burundi's efforts in seeking national reconciliation and promoting peace process.

    "China is also ready to further cooperation with Burundi in the areas of education, health and personnel training," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.

    He also expressed China's appreciation for Burundi for its firm adherence to the one-China policy.

    Nkurunziza said Burundi is satisfied with the smooth development of bilateral ties.

    He thanked China for its long-term support and help, saying that China's assistance has had important impact on the improvement of Burundi people's life.

    He also reiterated that Burundi is firmly committed to the one-China policy.

    Nkurunziza arrived in China last Friday. He and other 47 leaders and representatives of African countries attended the two-day Beijing summit, which is believed to be the largest diplomatic event between China and Africa since 1949.

    Before coming to the Chinese capital, the Burundian president had visited the economically booming province of Guangdong in south China and the rather underdeveloped province of Guizhou in the southwest.

    China and Burundi restored diplomatic relations on Oct. 13, 1971. Bilateral trade hit 12.22 million U.S. dollars in 2005.