China desires to further cooperation with Vanuatu: premier

Chinese Premier meets Vanuatu PM

China will continue to promote friendly relations and economic cooperation with Vanuatu on the basis of Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday in Beijing.

Wen made the remarks when holding talks with visiting Vanuatu Prime Minister Serge Vohor.

Wen said that the relations between the two countries have developed steadily since they forged diplomatic ties. Their leaders have exchanged visits frequently and conducted sound cooperation in promoting economic and social development of the Asia-Pacific region.

The economic and trade cooperation between China and Vanuatu has been fruitful, Wen said. Bilateral exchanges in agriculture, fishery, and education have been increasing.

China will continue its efforts to deepen mutual political trust, strengthen mutually benefited economic cooperation and trade, and cooperate closely in regional affairs, Wen said.

Wen pointed out that it is China's consistent view that all nations, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are equal members of the international community. China and Vanuatu, both located in Asia-Pacific region, have enjoyed common interest and responsibility in promoting regional peace, stability and development, he said.

He expressed appreciation for the Vanuatu government's adherence to the one-China policy, saying that the Chinese government supports the proposal of the South-Pacific island countries on the sustained development, as well as their efforts in safeguarding their rights and interest of the ocean and environment.

Vohor said that the relations between Vanuatu and China have enjoyed sound development particularly in recent years, and the two sides have maintained all-level contacts. Through the contacts, Vanuatu has had a better understanding of China's cultural tradition, and the one-China policy in particular.

He reaffirmed that Vanuatu will continue to pursue the one-China policy.

Vohor thanked China for offering aid to Vanuatu, saying it will help promote the development of agriculture, tourism and education in Vanuatu. He voiced his hope to further cooperation with China in the fields of education, agriculture and biology.

After the talks, relevant documents between the two governments were signed. Both Wen and Vohor attended the signing ceremony.