LILONGWE, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika met here Saturday with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun, who is on a visit to the African nation as an envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

    At the meeting with Zhai, the Malawian leader expressed satisfaction with the establishment of diplomatic ties with China and said Malawi's decision to do so is in tune with the global trend in world affairs and has won support from the Malawian people.

Malawi President Bingu Mutharika (R) shakes hands with the representative of Chinese President Hu Jintao and assistant foreign minister Zhai Jun in Lilongwe, capital of Malawi, Jan. 26, 2008. The Chinese embassy to Malawi was inaugurated in Lilongwe Saturday.(Xinhua Photo/Wang Nengbiao) Photo Gallery>>>

    Mutharika said Malawi would like to learn from China's experience in developing itself and stands ready for cooperation with China.

    The Malawian government will adhere to the one-China policy and support China's efforts toward national reunification, Mutharika said.

    Zhai, for his part, said the Chinese government values its relations with Malawi and is ready to work with Malawi to boost exchanges at different levels, deepen mutual trust, develop mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs.

    China and Malawi established diplomatic relations on Dec. 28, 2007. Zhai and Malawian Foreign Minister Joyce Banda Saturday opened the Chinese embassy in Malawi.

Zhai Jun (L), representative of Chinese President Hu Jintao and assistant foreign minister, and Malawi Foreign Minister Joyce Banda unveil the plaque for the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Lilongwe, capital of Malawi, Jan. 26, 2008. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Malawian Minister for Presidential and Parliamentary Affairs Davis Katsonga signed a joint communique in Beijing on Dec. 28, 2007 to forge diplomatic relations.(Xinhua Photo/Wang Nengbiao) Photo Gallery>>>