China's annual trade volume with Liberia has reached more than 163 million U.S. dollars, Chinese ambassador to Liberia Lin Songtian said in Monrovia Thursday.

China and Liberia resumed diplomatic relations in October 2003, and since than both countries had been enhancing their ties, with the Chinese government providing Liberian professionals with training opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

Describing 2006 as "a new beginning ... in a new chapter to further enhance these ties," Lin said "the first quarter of this year has witnessed frequent exchanges of official visits between the two countries."

He recalled the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in January and the visits of Vice Commerce Minister Wei Jianguo as well as a high level Chinese military delegation to Liberia in March.

"Through these visits, the mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries have been further enhanced and fruitful results have been achieved," he added.

On the other hand, Lin said five Liberian political parties led by the ruling Unity Party visited China.

He lauded the Liberian government for its adherence to the one- China policy and its strong support for what he termed "the great cause of the complete national reunification of China."

Lin also called for the lifting of UN sanctions on Liberian diamond and timber exports as soon as possible.

According to Lin, more than 200 Liberians have benefited from training programs, seminars and workshops in China aimed at improving and strengthening bilateral and human resource capacities between the two countries.

At a recent seminar on China-Liberia Cooperation on Human Development held in the Liberian capital Monrovia, Liberian Foreign Minister George Wallace said, "China has continued to demonstrate friendship and we (Liberians) should also help them to help us."

He said "the training opportunities China has provided Liberians suits my desire of seeing Liberians expend their horizons" and "such opportunities lead to sufficient manpower to fill the brain drain in our country."

Source: Xinhua