Premier Wen meets Vanuatuan Deputy Prime Minister

"China appreciates the new Vanuatuan government sticking to the one-China policy, and is eager to join hands with Vanuatu to push forward the bilateral ties in a sound, stable and all-round way," said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Tuesday.

Wen made the remarks when meeting with Sato Kilman, deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu. He added that the Chinese government "attached much importance" to China-Vanuatu ties.

The two countries have seen a rapid progress in bilateral ties since the diplomatic ties were founded in 1982, Wen said. China and Vanuatu, both developing countries, always paid respect and equal treatment to each other politically and gave support to each other for co-progress in economic sectors. The two sides also coordinated on international and regional affairs, with cooperation continuously expanded in fields of economy and trade, agriculture, fishery, culture and education, public health and tourism.

"The friendly ties between China and Vanuatu have been widely spread among the Vanuatuan people, and gained heart-felt support by the Vanuatuan people," Wen said.

Agreeing to Wen's remarks, Kilman said China, as an important partner and earnest friend to Vanuatu, played a positive role in economic and social development of Vanuatu with its large amount of donation to Vanuatu over the past years.

"Vanuatu treasures the Vanuatu-China friendly ties, and will continue paying respect to China's sovereignty and territory integrity," Kilman said.

He stressed that Vanuatu will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, having no official contact in any form with Taiwan.

Kilman is here at the invitation of Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and he will conclude his China tour on Jan. 24.

Source: Xinhua