Premier Zhu Rongji's official visits to Turkey, Egypt and Kenya
have achieved "resounding success'' in expanding political and
economic cooperation with the three nations, officials said.
The visits, held from April 15 to Friday, also helped deepen mutual
trust and understanding through a series of talks between Zhu and
the top leaders of those countries, said Vice-Foreign Minister Yang
Wenchang Friday; he is touring with the premier.
Zhu left Nairobi Friday afternoon where Kenyan President Daniel
Arap Moi and other high-ranking officials saw him off at the
airport. Zhu is expected to return to Beijing this morning.
Yang said the three-nation trip was an important diplomatic mission
of China to western Asia and Africa. Local media also
comprehensively covered the activities of the Chinese
delegation.
"These three countries have enjoyed long-term friendly
relationships with us and cherish the common desire to push forward
cooperation with China,'' he said.
The three countries all attach great importance to China's
"constructive role'' in international affairs, particularly in
light of changes in world and regional diplomacy, with the hope to
maintain peace and stability as well as promote economic
development in the region.
The Chinese premier brought a high-profile entourage including
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin,
Minister of General Administration of Customs Mu Xinsheng, Minister
of Water Resources Wang Shucheng and Vice-Minister of State
Development Planning Commission Wang Chunzheng.
On
behalf of the Chinese Government they signed 10 agreements with the
three countries for bilateral cooperation in trade, investment,
agriculture, information technology, quarantine of animal
husbandry, customs affairs and education.
President Jiang Zemin had made separate state visits to these three
countries in recent years also reaching consensus on the promotion
of bilateral relationships.
Zhu highly valued the development of political and economic
relations between China and the three countries since Jiang's
visits, Yang said.
Regarding China as their "trusted friend of long standing," leaders
of the three countries all agreed with Zhu's views and vowed to
further their bilateral relationship with the Chinese Government in
a more positive way.
The three countries all supported China's stance on peaceful
reunification of its country while reiterating that People's
Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China.
Yang said the Turkish leaders, also stressed the Xinjiang Uygur
Autonomous Region is an inalienable part of China's territory and
would oppose any activities in Turkey which are aimed at splitting
China.
The Chinese premier told his hosts that China's deepening economic
reform and entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) have
brought bright prospects for the three countries to expand trade
and business ties with China.
Zhu cited trade, investment, agriculture, medicine, construction of
infrastructure and personnel training as the major areas to tap
into.
Premier Zhu promised his government would encourage Chinese
entrepreneurs to increase investment and launch joint ventures in
these countries. To help improve the balance of bilateral trade,
Zhu also urged the three countries to export more goods needed by
Chinese markets.
Vice-Foreign Minister Yang said the highlight of Zhu's visits were
his two speeches delivered to business people in Istanbul and Cairo
where he put forth concrete proposals for opening new channels to
boost bilateral trade and mutual investment.
Leaders of the three countries echoed Zhu's suggestions by pledging
that they would strengthen their co-ordination with the Chinese to
achieve these objectives, Yang added.
Zhu briefed his hosts on China's consistent stance on the Middle
East issue and measures China has adopted in calming the tense
situation in the region.
As
a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Zhu ensured them
that China will continue its cooperation with the three countries
and the world community for realization of comprehensive, just, and
lasting peace as soon as possible.
The three countries also expressed their willingness to strengthen
consultation with China on both international and regional affairs
and a hope to enhance their cooperation in the United Nations, WTO
and other world organizations.
Kenyan leaders highly praised China's policies concerning Africa
and its positive contributions to the prosperity and development of
the continent as well, Yang said.
While meeting the head of the Arab League in Cairo, Premier Zhu
said China backs the league in its proposal to establish the
China-Arab Cooperation Forum.
(China Daily April 27,
2002)