Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday that Zimbabwe is a key partner of China in Africa and China will continue to improve its friendly cooperation with it.

In a meeting with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Wen said China values its relations with Zimbabwe and believes that mutual-beneficial cooperation and respect to each other's choice of developing mode are the foundation to further develop China-Zimbabwe ties.

"To upgrade bilateral economic and trade ties is the common demand of our two countries," Wen said.

He said China wants to improve cooperation with Zimbabwe in mining exploitation, telecom network building and reconstruction of rural power grid.

He expressed the hope that Zimbabwe will offer convenience to those Chinese companies running businesses there.

On the relations between China and Africa, Wen said: "China is the largest developing nation in the world and Africa is the continent which has the largest number of developing countries. China and Africa share many common interests."

The Chinese premier said enhancing solidarity and cooperation with Africa is an important component of China's foreign policy. "China has given its due support to Africa's economic development and personnel training through the China-Africa Cooperation Forum."

He said closer China-Africa relations will not only benefit south-south cooperation, but also help reduce poverty and achieve common progress of human society.

Mugabe said he is satisfied with the results of the visit, which fully demonstrates the aspiration of the two countries to deepen friendly cooperation.

"China is Zimbabwe's trustworthy friend and important partner," he said.

Mugabe said Zimbabwe appreciates China's efforts in promoting bilateral pragmatic cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and respect.

He said the Zimbabwean government will continue to abide by the one-China policy and oppose the "Taiwan independence".

Mugabe arrived in Beijing Saturday evening for a week-long state visit. On Tuesday, Mugabe held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and the two countries signed three official documents including an economic and technological agreement. The Zimbabwean president also met with Chinese top lawmaker Wu Bangguo on Wednesday.

Source: Xinhua