KHARTOUM, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sudan aims to enhance its strategic ties with China during the upcoming visit by Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Monday.
Zhang is to arrive in Khartoum on Friday for a two-day visit at the invitation by Sudan's First Vice-President and Prime Minister Bakri Hassan Saleh.
"This important visit by the senior Chinese official comes in enhancement of the strategic ties between Sudan and China and in affirmation of the strength of those ties which are witnessing progressive development within the economic partnership between the two countries," Ghandour said in a statement.
He said that the visit "aims to intensify consultations to enhance coordination at the regional and international forums."
Ghandour said that the Chinese vice premier would hold talks with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, in addition to meeting with Saleh.
The talks would review the bilateral ties in political, economic and cultural fields, and ways to develop them to the level of the strategic partnership between the two countries, according to the foreign minister.
Ghandour added that several Sudanese ministers would meet with their Chinese counterparts in separate sessions for further consultation on increasing bilateral cooperation on programs and projects within the strategic partnership.
Zhang arrived in Kuwait on Monday to start his current four-nation trip, which will also take him to Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Namibia.
