Chinese Vice President Meets Malian Guests 　　Hu Jintao, Chinese vice president and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with Malian Defense Minister Mohamed Salia Sokona in Beijing on September 29. 　　Hu said that both countries have deep traditional friendship and good relations. The cooperation between the two countries and the two armed forces has been "fruitful," he said, adding that the Chinese government was grateful for the consistent support of the Malian government regarding such issues as Taiwan and human rights. 　　China attaches importance to the growth of bilateral ties and is willing to promote the traditional friendly and cooperative ties to a new level, he said. 　　Sokona expressed his congratulations on the upcoming 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He praised the bilateral ties and said he is grateful for China's " selfless support and assistance to Mali," adding that he hopes the two sides will further their contacts and expand cooperation. 　　Sokona reiterated that the Malian government will unswervingly adhere to the "one China" stance. 　　Chinese Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, State Councilor and Defense Minister Chi Haotian was among those present at the meeting. (Xinhua) HomeNews 1999-09-30 Page4 Full Story in Chinese