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)