Chinese, Malian presidents hold talks

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) holds a ceremony to welcome Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing July 15, 2004. Toure was on his five-day state visit to China at the invitation of Hu Jintao.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure agreed here Thursday in their talks to strengthen bilateral cooperation and blaze a new trail in developing the friendship.

After reviewing the history of the development of the China-Mali relationship, Hu said he highly valued the traditional friendship between the two countries.

As one of the earliest Sub-Sahara countries which established diplomatic ties with China, Hu said, Mali is an old friend of China.

Since the establishment of the bilateral relations about 40 years ago, Hu said, China and Mali have stably developed their ties against the backdrop of great changes both in the world and in the two countries.

The two state leaders had more frequent exchange of visits, while the two countries effectively cooperated with each other in trade and economic fields, Hu said.

The two sides always supported and cooperated with each other in international and regional affairs, he said.

Hu expressed his gratitude for Mali's support for China's stand on the Taiwan issue and the human rights issues.

Toure said the two peoples have cultivated a treasured friendship. Both countries cherished national sovereignty and dignity, as well as shared views on important international issues.

Toure said it is the clear-cut position of Mali to stick to the one-China policy. He said Mali will always be a trusted friend and partner of China.

Hu said the traditional friendship between the two countries, cultivated by generations of state leaders, is a common treasure for the two peoples.

It is the common aspiration for the two countries to solidify and promote the friendly cooperation, Hu said.

Hu suggested the two sides adhere to the principle of mutual sincerity, equal treatment, mutual support and common prosperity.

He also suggested to keep the good momentum on high-profile exchange of visits and increase friendly exchange between the two parliaments, governments, parties and peoples.

The two countries should expand their trade and economic relations, Hu said, adding that the Chinese government will encourage more Chinese enterprises to carry out cooperation with Malian enterprises. Hu said China will continue to provide aid to Mali within its own capacity.

Hu also said the two countries need to enlarge cooperation in culture, education, health care and tourism.

The two foreign affairs ministries should better their consultation mechanism and better their coordination in international and regional affairs, Hu said.

Toure said he agreed with Hu's proposals.

As a country rich in water resources and cotton, he said, Mali hopes to cooperate more with China in agriculture, textile and infrastructure.

On the current situation in Africa and China's policy on Africa, Hu said, China always attaches great importance to Africa and strengthening cooperation with African countries including Mali is one important part of China's foreign policy.

China is willing to expand cooperation with African countries through the channel of the China-Africa cooperation forum.

Toure said he highly valued China's role in supporting the independence and development of African countries. He said African countries are interested in learning from China's experience in economic and social development.

After the talks, representatives from the two countries signed a trade and economic cooperation agreement and other official documents.

Source: Xinhua