State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Beijing Tuesday with Senegalese State Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Tidiane Gadio.

Tang extended his congratulations to the resumption of China-Senegal diplomatic ties after a decade of suspension.

China and Senegal announced the resumption of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level as of October 25, 2005.

Senegal is an influential country in Africa, Tang said. Senegal's recognition and adherence to the one-China principle conform to the country's long-term and fundamental interests, he said.

The move also paves the way for China and Senegal to carry out extensive cooperation in bilateral and international affairs, he stressed.

Thanks to concerted efforts, Tang said, the friendly and cooperative ties will see the all-round development.

Gadio said both Senegal and China are developing countries so the two nations should join hands in undertaking cooperation, which is conducive to the interests of the two peoples.

On such basis, he said, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade made a correct decision to resume diplomatic ties with China.

He hoped the two countries will carry out cooperation in political, economic and cultural areas after the resumption of diplomatic ties so as to bring benefits to the two peoples.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2005)