China and Zimbabwe are willing to ontinue their traditional friendship, according to their foreign ministers in Beijing on July 26.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with his Zimbabwean counterpart Simbarashe Samuel Mumbengegwi on Tuesday and they exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concerns.

Accompanying Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Mumbengegwi arrived in Beijing on July 23 for a week-long visit.

Li said, since the two countries forged diplomatic relations 25 years ago, bilateral relations went on smoothly, with frequent high-level exchanges, fruitful economic and trade cooperation, and sound cooperation in international affairs.

The visit by Zimbabwean President Mugabe is a symbol of the deepening of bilateral traditional friendship and will enhance their friendly cooperation, he said.

China is willing to work with Zimbabwea to implement the consensus that leaders of the two countries have reached, Li said.

Mumbengegwi said the two countries enjoy a traditional friendship and China has offered a great support to the Zimbabwean people during their national liberation.

After Zimbabwe became independent in 1980, the Chinese government and people have provided large amount of assistance to Zimbabwea and the Zimbabwean people will never forget it, he said.

He said Zimbabwe will work hard to strengthen traditional friendship and cooperation with China.

Source: Xinhua