More aid to UN food program

China will send another $2 million to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), in addition to its originally planned $2.5 million donation to the world's largest humanitarian agency in 2008.

The donation, announced by spokesman Qin Gang, aims to help the WFP alleviate "difficulties it is facing now" as a result of soaring food prices and food shortages worldwide.

China is paying close attention to the impact on developing nations of these price rises, as well as the funding gap faced by international food aid programs, Qin said.

"China is willing to provide assistance to the best of its ability," he added.

China ended its 26-year history as a WFP food recipient at the end of 2005 and became the agency's third-largest donor after the United States and European Union in the same year, with a food donation of 577,000 metric tons, two and a half times that of 2004.

Yang, Rice have talks on phone

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi had a telephone conversation yesterday with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to discuss bilateral ties and major issues of common concern.

Both top diplomats agreed to maintain high-level dialogue between the two countries and continue to push forward the Sino-US relations and cooperation in all areas.

The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern.

Yang is accompanying President Hu Jintao on a five-day state visit to Japan.

FM to attend meetings in Russia

Yang Jiechi will attend meetings with his Russian, Indian and Brazilian counterparts in Russia, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced yesterday at a regular press conference.

Yang will be in Russia from May 14 to 16, where he will attend foreign minister meetings between China, Russia and India, and between China, Russia, India and Brazil respectively.

According to Qin, Yang will also meet with the foreign ministers on bilateral occasions.

Top political advisor in Hungary

Jia Qinglin, head of China's top political advisory body, arrived in Budapest on Wednesday for an official goodwill visit to Hungary.

It is the second leg of Jia's four-nation Europe tour, which has taken him to Romania and will take him to Slovenia and Croatia.

The Hungary visit is the first made by a head of China's top political advisory body, known as the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), since the two countries established diplomatic ties 59 years ago.

Jia said in a written speech upon his arrival that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Hungary and is ready to work with Hungary to add new substance, vigor and vitality to their traditional friendship.

Jia expressed the belief that his visit will further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and push forward bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Jia is expected to conclude his visit to Hungary tomorrow.

Vice-premier visits Costa Rica

Visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu held talks on Wednesday with Costa Rican Vice-president Laura Chinchilla Miranda on bilateral ties and cooperation.

Hui said China will encourage its enterprises that have enjoyed a competitive edge and good reputation to invest in Costa Rica and expand bilateral cooperation in agriculture, water conservancy, science and technologies.

Chinchilla said Costa Rica would maintain coordination and communication with China on regional and international issues to push the bilateral ties to a higher level.

After the talks, the two leaders attended a ceremony to sign a memorandum of cooperation on water resources between the two countries.

Thai PM, Singapore FM to visit

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will pay an official visit to China from May 15 to 17 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the Foreign Ministry said.

Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo will also pay a visit to China from May 14 to 18 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, spokesman Qin Gang announced yesterday.

Xinhua-China Daily

(China Daily 05/09/2008 page10)