China offers Cameroon loans, medical equipment

BEIJING - China will offer more interest-free loans and non-reimbursable assistance to Cameroon, as well as batches of medical equipment and supplies, according to agreements signed on Wednesday in Beijing.

Witnessed by President Hu Jintao and visiting Cameroonian President Paul Biya, the two countries signed a total of seven agreements, including a framework agreement under which China will provide interest-free loans to Cameroon.

They also agreed that China would send batches of medical equipment and medical supplies to Cameron, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on plans for Chinese tourist groups to visit Cameroon.

China will also offer non-reimbursable assistance to Cameroon and the two sides agreed a plan for inter-governmental cultural cooperation.

Biya started his three-day visit to China on Wednesday. The two countries recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

China is willing to strengthen political ties, deepen economic and trade cooperation and increase cultural exchanges with Cameroon.

The two sides should maintain close consultation and coordination on global issues such as climate change, food safety and poverty reduction, which will benefit the two countries and other developing nations, said Hu, according to a news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hu said the two countries should enhance cooperation in areas including resources, energy, infrastructure and agriculture.

China understands and supports Cameroon's efforts in development and "will continue to help Cameroon enhance its development capabilities and sustainable development", Hu told his Cameroonian counterpart.

Biya, on his fifth visit to China since taking office in 1982, said Cameroon's cooperation with China has become a model for Sino-African cooperation.

Biya said Cameroon is willing to enhance cooperation with China in politics, trade, health, education, science and technology, culture and sports, to continuously promote the friendly bilateral relationship and to benefit the people of the two countries.

Biya will also meet top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao, and visit the northern port city of Tianjin before leaving for Switzerland on Friday.