Foreign and Military Affairs

Tunisian President, Chinese FM talk over co-op

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-19 10:12

TUNIS - Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali received on Tuesday Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who is on official visit to Tunisia in a move to cement the promising partnership.

"Political trust has deepened and the economic, trade and cultural ties between the two countries were intensified. The two countries share views in common over many international and regional issues," said the Tunisian President.

"Tunisia praised its friendship with China and allocates a great importance to develop a longlasting, deep and mutually-benefiting friendly relationship between the two countries," said Ben Ali, expressing his wish to strengthen further cooperation and exchanges in economy, trade, infrastructure, culture, and education and among young people.

Ben Ali also expressed his appreciation for the Chinese development and for its constructive role in resolving international and regional affairs in the Middle East and Africa.

"Tunisia will continue coordination and consultation with China concerning international and regional affairs, while taking advantage of two mechanisms of China-Arab Cooperation Forum and China-Africa Cooperation Forum, and to prepare for hosting the 5th Ministerial Meeting Forum of China-Arab cooperation," Tunisian President added during the meeting.

For his part, Yang conveyed the warm greetings of Chinese President Hu Jintao to his Tunisian counterpart and praised the achievements of Tunisia in and outside the country under the leadership of President Ben Ali.

"China-Tunisia friendship has a long history and bilateral relations were developed despite the mutation and changes in the international and national levels. The two countries understand and help each other. China and Tunisia are good friends and good partners," the Chinese official said.

Besides, China appreciates the support of Tunisia to its policies on Taiwan province, the Tibet autonomous region and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, according to Yang Jiechi.

He also expressed the wish to carry high-level dialogue with Tunisia for further pragmatic cooperation in all fields, exchange experiences and strengthen bilateral relations.