China, Central Africa presidents stress long-term ties

BEIJING, Sept. 10 -- Chinese and Central African presidents agreed here Thursday to advance bilateral relations in a long-term, healthy and steady way.

Chinese President Hu Jintao met visiting Central African President Francois Bozize in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Thursday afternoon.

China and Central Africa first established diplomatic links in 1964. But official ties were halted twice between 1966 and 1976 and between 1991 and 1998.

Hu said since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations in1998, bilateral links have been growing healthily under the joint effort of both sides. Trade volume between the two countries witnessed rapid growth in recent years while they made smooth progress in carrying out cooperative projects they agreed upon.

China and Central Africa have conducted good cooperation in regional and international affairs, Hu said.

Noting that the Central African government adheres to the one-China policy and attaches importance to its ties with China, Hu said China actively support the peace process and economic rehabilitation of Central Africa. All these have helped promote friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.

President Bozize said in recent years, Central Africa and China have developed an increasingly close relationship. He said Central Africa attaches high priority to its cooperation with China.

He thanked China for providing a great deal of sincere and selfless assistance for Central Africa in the country's economic and social development. He also thanked China for standing at the side of the Central African people during difficult times.

Bozize spoke highly about the results of the Beijing Summit on the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, which was held in November 2006. He said it reflects friendly feelings that China cherishes toward Africa.

Bozize reiterated that Central Africa will firmly adhere to the one-China principle and support China on issues related to Tibet and Xinjiang.

Bozize paid a working visit to China in August 2004. This is the first state visit he has made to China since being elected as President in May 2005.

Bozize said his visit shows the will to further advance bilateral links and make bilateral cooperation more practical, effective and vigorous.

Bozize expressed the willingness to work with China to tap into the potential of bilateral cooperation by strengthening cooperation in mining, forestation, agriculture, energy and resources development. He welcomes Chinese companies to invest in Central Africa and pledges continuing support to Chinese companies.

Bozize expressed the willingness to lift bilateral relations to a new stage.

After the meeting, President Hu and President Bozize attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on economic and technological cooperation between the two governments and other cooperative documents.