Guinea-Bissau's new prime minister, Carlos Gomes Junior, on Tuesday said his country will continue to strengthen and develop friendly relations of cooperation with China, according to a Chinese diplomat in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau's capital.

Guinea-Bissau will abide by the principles enshrined in the 1998 joint communique signed upon the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Gomes said during his meeting withChina's ambassador to Guinea-Bissau, Tian Guangfeng.

Gomes, who was sworn in on Monday, said Guinea-Bissau attaches importance to developing ties with China.

On his part, Tian expressed the belief that bilateral ties will reach a new high through joint efforts.

Gomes, a 55-year-old businessman, joined the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) in 1998 and became the chairman of the party four years later.

His party won 45 seats in the 102-member parliament in March.

Source: Xinhua