Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday pledged to further
improve China-Senegal relations while talking with his Senegalese
counterpart Abdoulaye Wade.
"The resumption of diplomatic relations between China and
Senegal last October turns over a new leaf in bilateral relations,"
said Hu.
China and Senegal resumed diplomatic relations at the
ambassadorial level on October 25 last year, China severed its ties
with Senegal in 1996 after Dakar "recognized" the island of
Taiwan.
"The fact proves that China-Senegal friendship complies with the
common aspiration of the two peoples and accords with the historic
trend of peace, cooperation and development," Hu said.
Hu added that China will maintain friendly exchanges with
Senegal at governmental, legislative and party levels, so to
reinforce mutual trust.
China will enhance cooperation with Senegal in such fields as
agriculture, resource development and infrastructure, said Hu,
adding that China will help Senegal train personnel and restart
sending medical teams to the African country.
Wade, starting a six-day state visit to China on Wednesday, felt
"proud to make the two countries resume diplomatic ties" in his
presidency, saying Senegal will develop lasting and stable
friendship with China.
Wade expressed its hope that China could participate in
Senegal's economic development.
After their talks, the two countries also signed a series of
agreements.
Wade is scheduled to meet top legislator Wu Bangguo and top
political advisor Jia Qinglin on Friday. The visit will also take
Wade to Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, and
China's financial hub Shanghai.
(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2006)
