State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Monday that the Chinese government is keen to develop Sino-Chadian relations.

 

Tang made the remarks at a meeting with Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration Ahmad Allam-mi who signed a joint communiqué with Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Sunday night resuming diplomatic ties between the two countries.

 

Tang said although Sino-Chadian relations had witnessed twists and turns, the Chinese people have always cherished friendly sentiments toward the Chadian people.

 

The resumption of bilateral diplomatic ties has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations, which is in the common interests of the two countries and their peoples, noted Tang.

 

He said he hoped that the two sides will make concerted efforts to develop bilateral cooperation in various fields as early as possible, actively expand bilateral exchanges, strengthen political mutual trust, cooperate on trade in a mutually beneficial manner, and promote the development of the two countries.

 

Allam-mi said the resumption of bilateral diplomatic ties reflects the aspirations of the two peoples and world trends.

 

He said Chad abides by the one-China policy and respects China's territorial integrity, and the Chadian side will make positive efforts to develop bilateral friendship and cooperation.

 

Chad is the 169th country to establish diplomatic ties with China.

 

The two countries established formal diplomatic links in 1972 but China severed diplomatic relations with Chad in 1997 when the country "resumed" diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2006)