Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday met with Vanuatu's president Kalkot Mataskelekele during the latter’s state visit to China. During the meeting, Hu Jintao pledged closer cooperation between China, Vanuatu and other Pacific states.

"It has been our consistent policy to cement the relationship with Vanuatu and other Pacific island countries,” said Hu, adding that Chinese entrepreneurs should bolster investment in Vanuatu’s agriculture, forestry, fishery, telecommunications and infrastructure sectors.

He lauded Vanuatu for its staunch adherence to the one-China policy and its opposition to "Taiwan Independence".

Hu also touched upon China and Vanuatu’s mutual respect, economic cooperation and international support.

"China would like to work with Vanuatu to improve long-term friendship and cooperation in all areas," Hu said.

Vanuatu is comprised of a chain of islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean with a population of about 200,000.

Mataskelekele expressed gratitude to China for supporting Vanuatu during its campaign to gain independence and subsequent construction. He mirrored Hu’s desire to cooperate on agriculture, fishery, and tourism.

He also said Vanuatu would take a leading role in the forum between China and Pacific island countries on economic development.

(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2007)