Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Beijing Monday with visiting Burundian Vice President Alphonse-Marie Kadege.

Wen said, China and Burundi had close ties, trusted each other politically and cooperated with each other effectively.

The two countries always supported each other in international affairs, Wen said.

He said China is satisfied with the current development of the bilateral friendship.

Wen said Burundi is now in a stable domestic situation and begins economic reconstruction, which provides the possibility for the two countries to expand cooperation.

With concerted efforts, Wen said, China is willing to strengthen political ties, consolidate traditional friendship and deepen cooperation in all fields, so as to further develop bilateral relations.

Kadege said Burundi thanked the Chinese government and people for their support and aid for Burundi's peace and economic reconstruction.

He said he hopes the two sides continuously enhance friendly cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2004)