Chinese Vice-president Hu Jintao said Thursday that China is willing to work with Mali to push forward the bilateral friendship and cooperation in the new century.
Hu, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Mali Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga and his party.
He said that the bilateral relations have been growing steadily since the two countries forged diplomatic ties over 40 years ago.
The two countries have maintained high-level visits and the bilateral cooperation in various areas have been fruitful, Hu said.
Hu noted that the armed forces of the two countries have also kept a good relationship.
China appreciates and thanks the Mali government for its consistent adherence to the "one-China" principle and its support to China in international affairs, Hu noted.
He told the guests that China cherishes its friendly and cooperative relations with Mali.
Maiga spoke highly of the sincere friendship between Mali and China and their armed forces.
He thanked China for its support and assistance to his country over the years, adding that Mali wishes to expand its cooperation with China so as to further promote the state-to-state relations and the military ties.
Maiga reiterated that the Mali government will steadfastly adhere to the "one-China" position.
(xinhua 05/17/2001)
