Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said bilateral friendly and cooperative relations have seen steady development since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1983.

As developing countries, Chen added, both China and Angola have always supported each other in international affairs.

Chen noted that the two nations have had fruitful cooperation in trade and economy, culture and education and Angola has become one of China's important trade partners in Africa.

He said he was convinced that bilateral friendly cooperation will produce positive results.

The Angolan ambassador to China, Joao Manuel Bernardo, said the government of Angola has been engaged in developing bilateral relations to make a new model in the south-south cooperation, which is between developing nations.

The two countries have maintained regular consultations on international issues of common concern, the ambassador noted.

Moreover, he said, Angola appreciates China's steady reform in society and economy.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2003)