China, Sierra Leone agree to expand cooperation

Senior government officials from China and Sierra Leone agreed in Beijing Wednesday to increase cooperation between the two countries.

In a meeting with Sierra Leone State Minister of Presidential Affairs Shekou Momodu Sesay, Chinese State Councilor Hua Jianmin said that the two countries have enjoyed "fruitful cooperation in various fields and maintained close consultations and cooperation in international and regional affairs since they established diplomatic ties in 1971."

He said China appreciates Sierra Leone's support of the one-China policy and China's Anti-Secession Law.

"The Chinese government would like to maintain friendly exchanges with Sierra Leone, to further expand cooperation areas, and to jointly safeguard rights and interests of developing countries, in a bid to achieve common development," he said.

Sesay expressed his thanks for China's support and assistance to his country, hoping that the two sides would increase cooperation in such fields as agriculture, technology and oil.

Sesay reiterated that Sierra Leone will continue to firmly uphold one-China policy and the Anti-Secession Law.

Sesay and his party arrived here Monday for a goodwill visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.