China pledges to advance relations with Djibouti

China pledges to advance relations with Djibouti

(Source: Xinhua) 2009-12-30

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in Beijing, Dec. 29, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

　　BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday pledged to work with Djibouti to push forward friendly cooperation in various sectors and advance bilateral relations into a new level.

"We value the ties with Djibouti," Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said when meeting with Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the African nation.

Hailing the smooth growth of bilateral relations, Xi said it set a good example for the friendly cooperation between large and small countries.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Djibouti diplomatic ties. Xi hoped the two nations would grasp this opportunity to further promote bilateral relations.

China applauded Djibouti's support in issues concerning the country's core interests, Xi said.

Youssouf expressed appreciation for China's long-term assistance to his country without attaching any political conditions.

Youssouf also spoke highly of China's African policy, saying that Djibouti and many African countries adopted a "Look East" policy, which aimed to boost their cultural, economic and trade relations with China and other nations.

Djibouti would continue adhering to the one-China policy and increasing cooperation with China in climate change and other international affairs, he noted.

The minister also hoped to work with China to promote Djibouti-China and Africa-China relations.

Youssouf was here on an official visit from Dec. 28 to 30 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

The two foreign ministers held talks early Tuesday, agreeing to enhance friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.