The friendly and cooperative relations between China and Angola have developed steadily in terms of politics and economy in recent years, with brighter prospects in sight for their relationship to further strengthen.

 

In the political arena, the mutual understanding and political trust between China and Angola has deepened, as cooperation in various fields has expanded and bilateral ties have developed steadily since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1983.

 

Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos visited China twice in the 1980s and 1990s, and senior Chinese delegations also paid visits to the African country several times. This exchange of visits by high-level leaders of the two countries played an important role in pushing forward their bilateral ties.

 

The friendly and cooperative relationship has been further broadened as China and Angola have shared much common ground when dealing with international affairs.

 

Angola upholds the one-China policy, considering Taiwan as an inseparable part of China and backing the Chinese government's principle and stance on peaceful reunification.

 

Angola also provides China with invaluable support in the field of human rights.

 

Regarding the area of economy, the cooperation between the two countries has also witnessed a steady development.

 

Since the end of Angola's civil war in 2002, the Chinese government has provided the war-ravaged country with aid to the best of its ability and encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Angola to help its post-war reconstruction.

 

In 2004, China and Angola signed a series of cooperation agreements, under which China will provide Angola with funds, technology, materials and equipment and launch infrastructure construction in Angola's agriculture, health, education, transportation, media, power and public projects.

 

This degree of cooperation has achieved win-win results and further promoted China-Angola economic and trade relations.

 

In recent years, economic and trade exchange between China and Angola has increased rapidly. Bilateral trade increased to US$6.95 billion in 2005 from US$1.148 billion in 2002.

 

In the first four months of 2006 alone, bilateral trade volume reached US$3.8 billion, which secured Angola the first ranking among African countries in terms of trade volume with China in the period.

 

Against such a backdrop, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will visit Angola on June 20-21 at the invitation of Angola's President Dos Santos. The two leaders will discuss ways to further strengthen their friendship and expand cooperation in various fields, as well as exchange views on issues of common concern.

 

The two countries will also sign cooperation agreements on economy, trade, agriculture, health and legal affairs.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2006)