China implementing policies on cooperation with Africa, vice premier says

The Chinese government is implementing the eight favorable policies towards Africa announced at the Beijing summit last year, in a bid to boost China-Africa win-win cooperation, said Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on Tuesday.

Hui made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Tanzanian Minister of Defense and National Service Juma Kapuya.

The eight measures put forward by Chinese President Hu Jintao include the establishment of three to five trade and economic cooperation zones in Africa in the next three years, debt relief for African countries with diplomatic ties with China, and the building of 30 hospitals and 30 centers for malaria prevention and treatment.

Hui spoke highly of the progress of China-Tanzania relations over the years, adding the two sides have conducted fruitful cooperation in political, economic, cultural as well as military fields.

"To enhance solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important part of China's independent foreign policy of peace," the vice premier said, adding the Chinese government is actively implementing the eight favorable measures towards Africa.

"China is ready to join hands with Tanzania to facilitate all-round cooperation in a bid to promote the sustainable development of China-Africa new strategic partnership," Hui said.

In response, Kapuya said the Tanzanian government will continue to contribute to strengthening cooperation with China in various areas and enhancing coordination in international affairs.

He added the Tanzanian government always sticks to the one-China policy.

Kapuya arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a nine-day official visit at the invitation of Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan.

This is his first China trip since he took office as Tanzania's defense minister in January.

Source: Xinhua