Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday met with Vanuatu's
president Kalkot Mataskelekele during the latter’s state visit to
China. During the meeting, Hu Jintao pledged closer cooperation
between China, Vanuatu and other Pacific states.
"It has been our consistent policy to cement the relationship
with Vanuatu and other Pacific island countries,” said Hu, adding
that Chinese entrepreneurs should bolster investment in Vanuatu’s
agriculture, forestry, fishery, telecommunications and
infrastructure sectors.
He lauded Vanuatu for its staunch adherence to the one-China
policy and its opposition to "Taiwan Independence".
Hu also touched upon China and Vanuatu’s mutual respect,
economic cooperation and international support.
"China would like to work with Vanuatu to improve long-term
friendship and cooperation in all areas," Hu said.
Vanuatu is comprised of a chain of islands in the southwest
Pacific Ocean with a population of about 200,000.
Mataskelekele expressed gratitude to China for supporting
Vanuatu during its campaign to gain independence and subsequent
construction. He mirrored Hu’s desire to cooperate on agriculture,
fishery, and tourism.
He also said Vanuatu would take a leading role in the forum
between China and Pacific island countries on economic
development.
(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2007)
