Vice President Meets Libyan GuestsVice President Hu Jintao said Thursday that China will continue its efforts along with the international community for the complete lift of sanctions against Libya.Hu made the remarks in his meeting with Abdel Rahman Mohamed Shalgham, Libyan Secretary for External Relations and International Cooperation this afternoon at the Great Hall of the People. Hu described Libya "an important nation" in the African and Arab world. "China highly values its friendly ties with Libya and is willing to further strengthen future cooperation with Libya on the basis of sincere friendship, mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefits," Hu said. Hu said that for the past 22 years since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, bilateral ties and cooperation in political, economic, trade and other areas have grown steadily. He particularly extended gratitude and expressed appreciation for Libya's adherence to the One-China policy and its support of China human rights and reunification. Hu also reiterated the consistent stand adopted by the Chinese government on the Lockerbie issue. Shalgham extended greetings from Libyan leader Omar Mouammer Al Gaddafi to Chinese President Jiang Zemin and other Chinese leaders. He told Hu that Gaddafi attaches high importance to Libya's relations with China and is ready to further promote and develop bilateral cooperation in all fields, including international affairs. He said that Libya also highly values the importance paid by China on developing friendly and cooperative relations with African countries. He said Libya will attend the China-Africa Cooperation Forum to be held in Beijing this fall and actively participate in discussions. He also reiterated the principled stance of Libya on the One- China policy and not having any official contacts with the Taiwan authorities. He extended gratitude to China's friendly stance on the Middle East problem and its efforts to seek a just and rational solution to the Lockerbie issue. |
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