Leaders from African countries were unanimous in their desire to
strengthen ties with China and China's entrepreneurs.
In the last leg of a four-country tour, Premier Wen Jiabao met
with 13 African leaders during the Second Ministerial Conference of
the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.
The participation of so many African leaders shows the
importance they attach both to dialogue and to the profound
friendship between Chinese and African people, Wen said.
China and African countries can develop relationships based on
mutual respect and trust; moreover, China is prepared to enhance
South-South cooperation and promote bilateral relations, Wen
added.
With similar views in regards to many major international issues
and with a common belief in cooperation, China and African
countries can work together for world peace and development, he
noted.
Forty years of fruitful cooperation and friendship between Congo
and China have established a solid foundation for the two countries
to expand cooperation, said Denis Sassou, president of the Republic
of Congo.
Supporting China's great course of reunification, President of
Mozambique Joaquim Alberto Chissano told Wen lots of Chinese
companies have participated in the construction of railways,
hospitals, housing and other infrastructure projects in his
country.
After a four-nation tour to the United States, Canada, Mexico
and Ethiopia, Premier Wen is scheduled to return to Beijing
today.
(China Daily December 17, 2003)
