China, Tanzania to further expand touch-ground co-op

BEIJING—Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete on Sunday pledged to make concerted effort to promote the traditional friendship and practical cooperation between the two countries.
China and Tanzania respected and supported each other since establishment of diplomatic ties, and China treats Tanzania as itsall-weather cooperative partner, said Wen. The Chinese government will continue to provide aid for Tanzania’s economic development within its capacity, and hopes to cooperate with Tanzania in extending cooperation and enhance friendly partnership.
Noting China’s precious support and assistance for Tanzania over the past years, Kikwete said the Tanzanian people value the friendship with the Chinese people, adding that Tanzanian are glad to hold the torch relay. Kikwete kicked off his visit to China on April 11 in Sanya, where he met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.
According to official statistics, the trade volume between the two countries in 2007 reached 794 million U.S. dollars, up 48.2 percent over the previous year. Kikwete was elected rotating Chairman of the African Union in January. He visited China in 2006 to attend the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.
China is willing to further deepen the sincere cooperation with Tanzania in various fields including economy, politics and cultures, said top legislator Wu Bangguo. Wu made the remarks when meeting with visiting Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who arrived here on Sunday to continue his six-day state visit to China after attending the year’s annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia.
Reviewing the history of bilateral relationship which was established and fostered by former leaders of the two countries, Wu said healthy development of bilateral relations could be treated as a model for China’s sincerity and cooperation with all developing countries. China values traditional friendship with Tanzania, and hopes to strengthen legislation cooperation and parliament exchanges to achieve mutual developments and benefit peoples of the two countries, said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress. Saying China is a good friend of Tanzania that can be trusted forever, Kikwete said his visit aims to cement friendship, enhance cooperation and further deepen bilateral relationship.

—Xinhua