The peoples of China and Zimbabwe enjoy a profound fraternal relationship and an all-weather friendship in spite of thousands of miles afar, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Chang Xianyi said in Harare on Friday.

Speaking at the reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe, Chang said Zimbabwe declared independence on April 18, 1980 and just on the same day the diplomatic relation was established between the two countries.

He said tracing back to the past quarter of century, the friendly cooperation between the two countries has witnessed steady growth in various fields.

The two countries have supported each other in international affairs and jointly safeguarded the rights and interests of the developing countries, he said.

Chang said the Chinese government and people highly appreciate the Zimbabwean government for its adherence to the "one China" principle and resolute support for China's peaceful reunification cause.

On same occasion, Zimbabwean Acting Foreign Minster Herbert Murerwa said the relations between the two countries have positively unfolded and grown from strength to strength over the years.

The acting minister said China is now the single largest investor in Zimbabwe and the two countries should therefore continue to develop synergies which would lead to a win-win situation for both countries.

He said Zimbabwe was endowed with the minerals, the raw materials and agricultural land while China has the expertise and capital to process and add value to the products of Zimbabwe.

He reaffirmed Zimbabwe's policy that Taiwan question is an internal affair of China, adding that any external actions on Taiwan is an encroachment on China's sovereignty and is an interference in China's internal affairs.

"We therefore support the 'one country, two systems' policy and the Anti-Secession Law adopted on March 14, 2005 by the National People's Congress. Taiwan's 'dollar diplomacy or bribery diplomacy' will be defeated internationally," said Murerwa.

Murerwa said Zimbabwe cherishes the traditional friendship, solidarity and cooperation with the People's Republic of China, adding that Zimbabwe is fully committed and geared to promote the Sino-Zimbabwe relations to new heights.

Source: Xinhua