Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Gabonese counterpart El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba have pledged to push the China-Gabon cooperation to a new high.

In a communique signed in Libreville Tuesday, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the healthy and steady development of China-Gabon ties since the two countries forged diplomatic relations three decades ago.

They vowed to maintain the exchange of high-level visits between China and Gabon, step up cooperation in various fields and increase consultations on African and international affairs.

Gabon voiced support for China's reunification. It reiterated that there is only one China in the world, with the government of the People's Republic of China being the sole legal government representing China as a whole and Taiwan being an inalienable part of China.

Both sides said that they will boost trade and investment, continue to support cooperation between enterprises and make sure the implementation of the signed cooperation agreements.

They said cooperation will be focused on agriculture, infrastructure construction, resources exploitation and personnel training. China reaffirmed its willingness to render support within its ability for Gabon's economic and social development.

The two countries agreed that in a world undergoing complicated and profound changes, peace and development remain to be the two major themes of the present times and the common aspiration of the peoples of all countries.

They called for more international consultations to maintain diversity of the world and promote exchanges among countries of different civilizations and development modes.

In regard to the economic globalization, both sides called on the international community to adopt measures to help developing countries overcome difficulties and enhance their ability to achieve an independent, sustainable development and protect the environment.

They also urged developed countries to shoulder due responsibilities, expand access to their markets, remove trade barriers, and honor their commitments on financial and technological support and debt reduction and cancellation.

They said maintaining stability and alleviating poverty are two pressing tasks faced by African countries.

China supports the Africa Union and sub-regional organizations in Africa in playing a greater role in achieving peace and stability in the continent and promoting regional integration process.

China also supports African countries in seeking development and prosperity through the implementation of the "New Partnership Program for African Development."

The two sides stressed the importance of solving conflicts in Africa through dialogue, and called on the international community to care more about the continent's situation.

China will continue to participate in the United Nations peace-keeping missions in Africa and provide support to peace-keeping activities of Africa's regional and sub-regional organizations.

The two countries highly value the China-Africa friendship and cooperation and regard the "China-Africa Cooperation Forum" as an important platform for China-Africa consultations and cooperation.

China and Gabon will strengthen cooperation within the framework of this forum and promote the China-Africa partnership designed for full cooperation and common development. 

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2004)