Togolese president, Chinese vice president hold talks

Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema (R) shakes hands with visitng Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong before they hold talks in Lama Kara, Togo June 24, 2004.

Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema held talks with visiting Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong Thursday in Kara, Eyadema's native place, about 350 km north of Lome, capital of Togo.

Thanking Eyadema for the special arrangement to meet the Chinese delegation in his native place, Zeng said this was a testimony of deep friendship between the two countries.

Eyadema said Togolese-Chinese friendship is very good.

"You came here as you came home," he said to the Chinese quest.

The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

Zeng said cooperation between China and Togo in various fields has been fruitful since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 32 years ago.

The two countries maintain close coordination in international affairs, Zeng said, thanking the Togolese government for pursuing the "one China" policy.

Zeng said the Chinese government treasures the traditional Sino-Togolese friendship and is willing to work together with the Togolese side to further enhance bilateral ties.

He suggested more political contact, cooperation in economy and trade, education and health, and close cooperation in international affairs.

Eyadema said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the friendly ties have been developing gradually.

He thanked the Chinese government and people for their support, saying whatever happens, the Togolese government and people value the Togolese-Chinese friendship.

He reiterated that the Togolese government upholds the "one China" policy.

The president agreed with Zeng's suggestions and hoped that cooperation between the two countries in various areas would be further strengthened.

Zeng reiterated China's policy to African countries, saying that the Chinese government will always uphold the principles of promoting true friendship, treating each other equally, coordinating and cooperating, developing together, and looking forward to the future.

He pledged China's continued economic assistance in its capacity to African countries.

China is willing to expand economic and trade cooperation with African countries on the basis of mutual benefit to seek common development, the Chinese vice president said.

After the talks, China and Togo signed a number of agreements including one on the establishment of a joint economic, trade and technological cooperation commission between the two countries.

Zeng and Eyadema were present at the signing ceremony.