Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Liberia's president-elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf pledged on Sunday to make joint efforts to enhance bilateral relations.

 

During their talks in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, Li delivered a congratulatory message from President Hu Jintao to Johnson-Sirleaf, who will be inaugurated on Monday as Africa's first female president.

 

Hu believes that Liberia will realize lasting peace and economic prosperity under Johnson-Sirleaf's leadership, and that China cherishes its friendship with Liberia and is willing to work with the Liberian side to push bilateral ties forward, Li said.

 

The Chinese government will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the new Liberian government in all fields and on all levels, and will maintain close consultations and cooperation in world and regional affairs, Li noted.

 

China will also continue to take an active part in Liberia's peace and reconstruction process, he added.

 

Johnson-Sirleaf, who won the presidency in November 2005 after defeating football star George Weah, said Sino-Liberian relations have developed well and bilateral cooperation has been fruitful since the two countries reestablished diplomatic ties in October 2003.

 

The 67-year-old president-elect thanked China for sending peacekeepers, aid groups and experts to help the West African state restore peace and boost reconstruction.

 

Liberia will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and support China's reunification cause, she said.

 

The inauguration of Johnson-Sirleaf will end two years of transitional rule after 14 years of civil war.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2006)