Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing and Liberia's president-elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
pledged on Sunday to make joint efforts to enhance bilateral
relations.
During their talks in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, Li
delivered a congratulatory message from President Hu Jintao
to Johnson-Sirleaf, who will be inaugurated on Monday as Africa's
first female president.
Hu believes that Liberia will realize lasting peace and economic
prosperity under Johnson-Sirleaf's leadership, and that China
cherishes its friendship with Liberia and is willing to work with
the Liberian side to push bilateral ties forward, Li said.
The Chinese government will strengthen exchanges and cooperation
with the new Liberian government in all fields and on all levels,
and will maintain close consultations and cooperation in world and
regional affairs, Li noted.
China will also continue to take an active part in Liberia's
peace and reconstruction process, he added.
Johnson-Sirleaf, who won the presidency in November 2005 after
defeating football star George Weah, said
Sino-Liberian relations have developed well and bilateral
cooperation has been fruitful since the two countries reestablished
diplomatic ties in October 2003.
The 67-year-old president-elect thanked China for sending
peacekeepers, aid groups and experts to help the West African state
restore peace and boost reconstruction.
Liberia will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and support
China's reunification cause, she said.
The inauguration of Johnson-Sirleaf will end two years of
transitional rule after 14 years of civil war.
(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2006)