Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin Spencer in Beijing Wednesday.

During their meeting, Wen said China and Antigua and Barbuda have kept increasing mutual political trust and conducted fruitful cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, culture, and human resource development since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 21 years ago.

China appreciates the government of Antigua and Barbuda for its adherence to the one-China policy and recognizing China's full market economy status, Wen said.

To enhance friendship and cooperation between China and Antigua and Barbuda is of fundamental interests of the two peoples, as both of them are developing nations, Wen acknowledged, adding the Chinese government values its traditional friendship with Antigua and Barbuda, and is ready to work with it to build a long-term, stable relations of cooperation.

In this regard, Wen lodged the following proposals:

First, carrying out exchanges at multi-layers and in various fields;

Second, expanding two-way trade and investment as well as encouraging companies of both countries to conduct extensive cooperation;

Third, stepping up cultural exchanges in a bid to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples;

Fourth, enhancing cooperation in tourism;

Fifth, enhancing consultation and cooperation on international affairs, and safeguarding legitimate rights and interests of developing nations in joint efforts.

Agreeing with Wen's remarks and advice on bilateral ties development, Spencer said that Antigua and Barbuda has maintained friendship with China since the forging of their diplomatic ties 21 years ago.

He reiterated that his government will continue to support the one-China policy and push forward friendly cooperation with China in fields of economy and trade, culture, tourism and physical culture and sports.

"We will also support China's development and its efforts to enhance ties with countries in the Caribbean region," Spencer added.

After the talks, Wen and Spencer attended the signing ceremony of two documents between their governments, including one concerning bilateral economic and technological cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2004)