China, Chad vow to boost ties

China and Chad vowed on Friday to beef up exchanges and cooperation and jointly pursue "long-term stable, sincere and amicable" relations with comprehensive cooperation.

"Facts have proved that development of relations between China and Chad serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. We should handle issues concerning our relationship in a far-sighted way," Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in his meeting with visiting Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno.

Wen said that China values its ties with Chad and will encourage Chinese enterprises to further participate in Chad's economic construction and continue to provide assistance to Chad within its ability.

Deby hailed the remarkable development of bilateral relations since the two nations resumed diplomatic relations a year ago, saying that Chad will work with the Chinese side to deepen mutual understanding and foster friendship between the two countries and expand the area of cooperation.

He reiterated that Chad will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

China and Chad first established formal diplomatic links in 1972 but China severed diplomatic relations with Chad in 1997 when the country resumed the so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.

The two countries released a joint press communique after the meeting on Friday, in which Chad reiterated that it sticks to the one-China policy and recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

Chad opposes any types of "Taiwan Independence" secessionist activities, including the proposed referendum on UN membership, says the communique.

The African country also promised not to develop any official relations with Taiwan and oppose Taiwan's bid to join any international and regional organizations that only accept sovereign countries.

In the communique, the two nations expressed their satisfaction with development of bilateral relations since diplomatic relations were resumed in August 2006 and agreed to further step up friendly exchanges and expand pragmatic cooperation.

China said it will continue to provide assistance to Chad's economic and social construction with its ability and encourage Chinese enterprises to further their investment in Chad.

The two sides also pledged in the communique to step up their exchanges and cooperation in the fields of education, culture and public health, beef up coordination and cooperation in international affairs to safeguard legitimate rights of developing countries and jointly push for the establishment of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Source: Xinhua