Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Micronesia's Vice President Alik Alik in Beijing, July 8, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Photo Gallery>>>

     BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- China and Micronesia Wednesday vowed to step up bilateral ties and cooperation.

    Meeting with visiting Micronesian Vice President Alik Alik, China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin highlighted the growth of relations between China and Micronesia in the past two decades, calling on both countries to take the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship as an opportunity to improve ties.

    "The facts have shown our two nations are good friends and good partners," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body.

    The development of bilateral relations not only served the interests of the two nations and peoples, but was also conducive to the stability and prosperity of the Pacific Island region.

    Jia said China was committed to working with Micronesia to intensify high-level official exchanges and cooperation.

    Alik said Micronesia valued relations with China and adhered tothe one-China policy.

    Micronesia backed China's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security and appreciated China's long-term support for Micronesia's development, Alik said.

    A guest of Vice President Xi Jinping, Alik is on an official visit to China from July 8 to 13. After Beijing, Alik will travel to the southern region of Guangxi.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Micronesia's Vice President Alik Alik (L) in Beijing, July 8, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Photo Gallery>>>