Chinese, Guinean PMs Hold Talks

Chinese Premier Welcomes Guinean PM

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Thursday that China and African countries will discuss economic and trade cooperation as well as the protection of interests of the developing countries during the China-African Forum scheduled in Beijing in October.

During talks with visiting Guinean Prime Minister Lamine Sidime this afternoon, Zhu said it is the aspiration of China, the world's largest developing country, and Africa, the continent with the largest number of developing countries, to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.

China is willing to join efforts with Africa to push forward the establishment of a new just and rational political and economic world order during the forum, the first in the 50-year diplomacy of new China, said the Premier.

He pointed out that it has always been an important part of China's foreign policy to reinforce friendly cooperation with African states and other developing countries.

Sidime thanked China's long-term emphasis on relations with African countries and appreciated China's initiative of hosting the China-African Forum.

Zhu extended a warm welcome to Sidime, who arrived in Beijing from Shanghai on Wednesday to continue his eight-day official visit, and expressed the conviction that his current visit will help deepen mutual understanding and relations between China and Guinea.

Guinea is the first country of south Sahara to forge diplomatic relations with China. Zhu said the decision made by leaders of both countries of the former generation 41 years ago to establish diplomatic ties unveiled a new chapter of relations.

China and Guinea have sympathized with and supported each other in the political field, conducted fruitful cooperation in the economic sector and closely coordinated with each other in protecting the interests of developing countries in world affairs, Zhu said.

He thanked the Guinean Government's support on many important international issues and said both the Chinese Government and people are willing to further consolidate ties with Guinea.

Sidime said his present visit is part of high-level contacts between the two countries, expressing his belief that friendly cooperation will advance from the visit.

He voiced satisfaction over the sound cooperation between Guinea and China since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and gratitude for China's long-term assistance to the Guinean people.

After the talks, Zhu and Sidime attended the signing ceremony of two documents, including a cooperative agreement on the economy and technology and an exchange letter on China's assistance on building a radio and television center and small hospitals in Guinea.

Prior to the talks, Zhu presided over a welcoming ceremony in honor of Sidime, who is here on his first China tour since assuming the office in 1999.