China on Wednesday added Ecuador to the list of overseas tourism destinations for Chinese citizens.

 

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong made the announcement when he met with visiting Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Francisco Carrion.

 

Zeng spoke positively on China-Ecuador relations, noting that China is satisfied with the ties that were forged 26 years ago.

 

He said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the relations and will continue its efforts to push forward the relations based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

 

"China is willing to further expand the bilateral cooperation in the trade, energy and tourism fields in a bid to reach double-win and common prosperity," the Chinese vice president said.

 

"China also hopes to intensify the consultation and coordination with the Ecuadorian side on the significant international and regional issues to safeguard the interests of the developing countries and contribute to the peace, stability and development of the world," Zeng stressed.

 

Echoing Zeng's views on the bilateral relations, Carrion said the Ecuadorian government also highly values the ties with China and will remain committed to strengthening the bilateral cooperation in various fields.

 

Carrion also pledged that Ecuador will continue to uphold the one-China policy.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2006)