China on Monday thanked Maldives' support for its quake relief efforts, and vowed to further promote win-win cooperation between both sides.

In his meeting with Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo commended the achievements of bilateral ties over the years.

He said he hopes the two countries will take the opportunity of the opening-up of Maldives' embassy in Beijing to further expand bilateral personnel exchanges, consolidate traditional friendship and strengthen win-win cooperation.

Shahid, who attended the embassy opening ceremony on Monday afternoon, said his country is ready to offer support for China's relief work, expressing sympathy and condolences for relatives of the quake victims.

He also reiterated his government's adherence to the one-China policy, and praised China's preparation for the Beijing Olympic Games.

In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, Shahid donated 50,000 US dollars to China on behalf of his country. Yang thanked the donations and said China is ready to work closely with Maldives to promote bilateral ties up to a new high.

Invited by Yang, Shahid is in Beijing on a five-day China trip from May 23-27.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2008)