China is wiling to make concerted efforts with Yemen to further consolidate and strengthen bilateral ties, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said in Sanaa yesterday.

 

Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, voiced the wishes when meeting with Yemeni leaders. A CPC delegation led by Wang arrived in the Yemeni capital on Sunday for a five-day visit.

 

Wang expressed appreciation for Yemen's consistent support for China on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, saying that the CPC and the Chinese government always regard Yemen as a reliable friend.

 

For their part, Yemeni leaders spoke highly of the friendly relations between the two countries, and stressed that Yemen values its cooperation with China.

 

They voiced admiration for the great achievements China has scored since it implemented the policy of reform and opening-up.

 

They also expressed gratitude to the CPC, the Chinese government and people for their long-standing support and assistance to Yemen, and hoped that President Saleh's upcoming visit to China in April would yield fruitful results.

 

Saleh reiterated Yemen's adherence to the one-China policy, saying Taiwan's reunification with the mainland is an irreversible trend.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2006)