Hu talks economics, energy during Algerian visit ( 2004-02-03 23:48) (China Daily)
President Hu Jintao arrived
in Algeria Tuesday, aiming at securing further economic co-operation and
exploring energy pacts as well as bolstering diplomatic ties with the
influential African nation.
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika welcomed the Chinese leader at Algiers airport
yesterday afternoon local time.
This important visit, taking place following the State visit paid by
President Bouteflika to China in October 2000, will contribute to "reinforcing
friendship and co-operative ties between Algeria and China to help the countries
realize their potential in this regard," an official source of Algeria stressed
on the eve of Hu's visit.
In his written statement released upon his arrival, Hu said that to
consolidate the friendly ties and mutual partnership in all fields between the
two countries is in conformity with the fundamental interests of the two
peoples.
In Algeria, the last leg of Hu's current visit abroad which also has taken
the leader to France, Egypt and Gabon, several co-operative agreements in
different fields will be signed during this visit, according to the Chinese
embassy here.
The agreements include a framework document on mineral resources exploration,
economic and technological partnership, China's preferential loans to Algeria
and a memoranda on an economic pact between small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The key part of the two-day trip will be Hu's talks with Bouteflika, which
are scheduled to be held early this morning Beijing time.
Earlier in Gabon, Hu and his Gabonese counterpart Omar Bongo pledged to push
China-Gabon relations to a new high.
In a communique signed there on Tuesday, the two leaders expressed
satisfaction over the healthy and steady development of bilateral 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 teamwork 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 legitimate 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 alliances between enterprises and implementation of signed co-operative
agreements.
They said partnerships will be focused on agriculture, infrastructure
construction, exploitation of resources and personnel training. China reaffirmed
its willingness to lend support toward Gabon's economic and social
development.