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Hu's four-nation visit boosts cooperation: FM
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-02-05 15:07
President Hu Jintao's visits to France, Egypt, Gabon and Algeria helped
promote understanding and boost China's relations and cooperation with these
countries, Foreign Ministry Li Zhaoxing said before leaving Algeria on
Wednesday.
Li accompanied Hu on his state visit to the four countries, from January 26
to February 4.
During Hu's stay in the four countries, China signed a total of 27 documents,
including joint declarations on strengthening bilateral ties, cooperative
accords between government organs, and contracts and memorandums between
businesses. They will contribute to the promotion of China's relations with
these countries.
On Sino-French ties, Li said China will take the 40th anniversary of the
establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations as an opportunity to push it
to a new high.
France was the first Western power to forge diplomatic relations at
ambassadorial level with China.
Cooperation between the two sides has entered a new stage as displayed by the
joint declaration signed by Hu and his French counterpart Jacques Chirac on
January 27, the commemoration day of the anniversary.
The declaration provides guidelines for developing a comprehensive strategic
partnership between China and France, and defines the fields for intensifying
bilateral cooperation, Li noted.
President Hu also emphasized that China supports the integration process of
the European Union (EU), and attaches great importance to the EU's positive role
in settling regional and international issues. It is ready to develop a Sino-EU
comprehensive strategic partnership on the basis of equality, mutual respect and
mutual benefit.
Li said that the establishment of the China-Arab states cooperation forum was
a significant milestone, marking the efforts for an all-around development of
relations between China and Arab states.
President Hu raised a four-point proposal for developing a new-type
partnership between China and the Arab countries to face the opportunities and
challenges arising from the changes in the international arena, which was agreed
by the members of the League of Arab States.
The foreign minister remarked that the cooperation forum will be a new
mechanism for China and Arab states to promote collective dialogue and
cooperation. It will further enrich the China-Arab relationship, raise the level
of cooperation between the two sides in an all-around way.
He added that China will enhance traditional friendship and cooperation with
Gabon and Africa. It is the first visit to Gabon by a Chinese head of state
since the two countries established diplomatic ties three decades ago.
It is a strong wish of the Chinese government to develop closer and
comprehensive cooperation with African nations, Li said.
On the Taiwan issue, Li stressed that China has gained widespread
understanding and support.
During the visit, President Hu expounded the policies and stance of the
Chinese government, stressing Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
Hu said that China adheres to the fundamental policies of peaceful
reunification and "one country, two systems" on the Taiwan issue. It will make
the utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. It is resolutely opposed
to "Taiwan independence" and would never allow anyone to split Taiwan away from
China by any means.
France reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy, and opposition to
any unilateral move, including the so-called referendum, which will heighten
tensions across the Taiwan Straits.
The leaders of Egypt, Gabon and Algeria also reaffirmed their consistent
support for China's reunification.
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