Malian president meets Chinese president's special envoy

Mali's re-elected President Amadou Toumani Toure met Saturday with former Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who attended Toure's swearing-in ceremony Friday as the special envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

During the meeting, President Toure said that China-Mali relations have been developing smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 47 years ago.

Expressing gratitude for China's long-term generous assistance, Toure said that Mali will adhere to the one-China policy and support China's aim of peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

The Malian president hoped that the two countries will enhance exchanges and cooperation in various areas as well as on international affairs.

Li conveyed Chinese President Hu Jintao's congratulations on his re-election.

China and Mali have conducted fruitful cooperation in politics, the economy and trade, said Li, who retired from the post of Foreign Minister in April.

The Chinese special envoy said that the Chinese government appreciates Mali's long-term recognition of the one-China policy, and is willing to work with the Malian side to implement the consensus reached by the head of states of the two countries at Beijing summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum last year, deepen cooperation and continuously promote the development of bilateral relations.

Also on Saturday, Li held talks with Moctar Ouane, Mali's minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.

Li arrived in the Malian capital of Bamako late Thursday to attend the inauguration of Malian President Toure.

Source: Xinhua