China, Malawi vow to further bilateral ties

By Mu Dong (Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-16 11:36

BLANTYRE, Malawi -- Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met Thursday at the economic center of Malawi, vowing to further bilateral ties in the future.

Mutharika said Malawi and China have carried out thorough cooperation in bilateral sectors within the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum since the two sides forged diplomatic ties on December 28, 2007.

The cooperation projects have been underway smoothly, greatly promoting Malawi's economic and social development and bringing benefits to the Malawian people, the president said.

He said the Malawi government will adhere to the one-China policy and hopes to enhance high-level exchanges, promote mutually-beneficial cooperation so as to yield more fruitful results from the friendly ties.

Yang said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two sides have further strengthened political understanding and the leaders of the two countries have reached much consensus on the development of bilateral ties.

"These have powerfully pushed forward the development of our bilateral relations," Yang said.

China highly appreciated Malawi's adherence to the one-China policy and its support for China on major issues, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, he said.

Thanks to the efforts made by the two sides, China and Malawi have scored remarkable achievements in political exchange and economic cooperation.

Meanwhile, exchanges and cooperation in the fields of education, health care, culture, sports and journalism have been widely implemented, Yang said.

Many projects under the frame of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum have started and been carried out. The understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries have been improved, Yang said.

"The friendship between China and Malawi serves the fundamental interest of the two countries and the two peoples."

"China is willing to work with Malawi to further push forward the healthy, stable and continuous development of the bilateral ties, " he added.

On the same day, the Chinese foreign minister held talks with his Malawian counterpart Joyce Banda in Lilongwe, capital of Malawi.

The two ministers exchanged views on the implementation of the consensus of leaders of the two countries and ways to further develop the friendship and cooperation.

They reached an agreement to develop China-Malawi relations in the following aspects:

-- To further political exchanges with the aim to improve mutual understanding, trust and support on the key interests of each other.

-- To further explore cooperation potential so as to expand trade and achieve mutual benefits.

-- To continue cultural and personnel exchange programs in order to enhance friendship between the two peoples.

-- To strengthen coordination on and cooperation in new international and regional issues, so as to safeguard the interests of the developing countries.

-- To enhance cooperation between the two foreign ministries for a more active role in promoting China-Malawi friendly and cooperative relations.

The foreign ministers signed a series of cooperation agreements after their talks.

Yang is currently on a six-nation tour to Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, South Africa, Brazil and Portugal.