China is ready to further enhance political mutual trust and economic cooperation with Togo, said Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Tuesday.

 

Wen said when meeting with Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe that China and Togo enjoy traditional friendship for a long time.

 

Faure has reiterated Togo's adherence to one-China policy on many occasions, and voiced his hope to promote friendship and cooperation between Togo and China. Wen expressed appreciation for Faure's attitude.

 

China values its relations with Togo, Wen said, noting that his country will enhance political mutual trust, increase economic and technological cooperation, and expand trade scale between the two sides in a bid to achieve win-win results and common development.

 

Both China and African nations are developing countries. Strengthening Sino-African friendship and economic ties accords with the common demands of both sides, and is also of strategic significance for South-South cooperation and poverty eradication, Wen acknowledged.

 

China, although not rich, will seriously implement is promise of providing economic assistance within its capacity to Togo and other African nations, the premier noted.

 

Faure said the fruitful Togo-China cooperation in economy, trade, electricity, culture, education, health and sports serves to spur the economic and social progress of Togo. Facts have proved that China is a genuine friend of Togo and Togolese people, he said.

 

Faure said his government will continue firmly keeping to one-China policy, and will promote its cooperation with China in such fields as economy, trade, telecommunication and investment.

 

Togo and other African nations are ready to enhance friendly cooperation with China, and strengthen coordination with China in international affairs, Faure noted.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2006)