BEJING -- China and Liberia vowed here Wednesday to expand bilateral ties.

Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (2nd R) and China's President Hu Jintao review an honour guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing November 1, 2006. [Reuters]


In talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and his visiting Liberian counterpart Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the two sides agreed to develop their friendly cooperation.

Bilateral ties had developed well since the two countries resumed the diplomatic relations in October 2003, Hu said.

He said they had forged mutual political trust, respect and support, accelerated economic and trade cooperation and maintained the close coordination on international affairs.

China firmly supported Liberia's peace process and economic construction and appreciated its adherence to the one-China policy and supports for China's reunification, Hu said.

Johnson-Sirleaf said the friendship of the Chinese leaders and people had highlighted their effective cooperation in fields such as agriculture and infrastructure construction.

China had offered much assistance to Liberia, which was deeply appreciated, Sirleaf said.

Hu proposed measures to boost political mutual trust by maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and consolidating the social foundation for cooperation, and to expand trade by strengthening planning and coordination on contracted projects.

The two sides should cement cooperation under the framework of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation in fields like natural resources exploration and infrastructure construction, Hu added.

Johnson-Sirleaf said safeguarding peace and stability, economic development and consolidation of infrastructure construction were Liberia's priorities.

Liberia would forge a strategic partnership with China and boost the cooperation in the trade, investment, infrastructure construction, education and public health fields, she said.

Liberia would continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

Liberia will play an active role in boosting the Africa-China strategic partnership, she promised.

Johnson-Sirleaf arrived in Beijing on Saturday, the first African leader to arrive for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on November 4 and 5.

The Liberian president will also pay a state visit to China on the sidelines of the summit.