China will work with African countries to push forward bilateral long-term and stable relations of overall cooperation, said a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Wednesday in Beijing.
Wei Jianxing, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks here Wednesday at a meeting with a delegation of political parties from African countries.
Wei said that although far apart geographically, China and Africa have a friendship that can be traced back to ancient times, and the two sides have forged a friendship of mutual sympathy during their struggles for national independence and economic development.
China and Africa have cooperated closely in international affairs, and China appreciates the support and cooperation the African countries have extended on the Taiwan and human rights issues, Wei said.
He said that he hoped that the two sides could further intensify their consultation and cooperation in the international arena, so as to better protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
He stressed that it is the unswerving policy of China to further its friendship and cooperation with African countries and their political parties, citing Chinese President Jiang Zemin's and Premier Zhu Rongji's recent visit to African countries to illustrate the importance China attaches to bilateral friendship and cooperation.
Antonio Artur Sanha, general secretary of the Party for Social Renewal of
Guinea-Bissau, said the visit has been a success, enabling members of the delegation to witness China's great achievements, the implementation of Jiang Zemin's thought on the party building (the "Three Represent's"), and the Chinese people's friendship for the African people.
The visit has not only furthered the mutual understanding between the Chinese people and the African people, and between the CPC and African parties, but also promoted friendly exchanges and cooperation within the African parties themselves, he said, adding that this is another proof of the development of the Africa-China traditional friendship.
Jacques Bekale, member of the Political Bureau of the Parti Democratique Gabonais (Gabon), made a brief summary of the visit, and also spoke highly of China's achievements.
He wished the coming 16th National Congress of the CPC every success.
The members of the delegation are from the ruling parities of 12 African countries -- Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Niger, Rwanda and Togo.
(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2002)
