China and Sudan, both important in their own continents, should enhance cooperation and contribute to the common development of Asia and Africa, State Councilor Zhou Yongkang said Monday at his meeting with a visiting Sudanese delegation.

Awad Ahmed Al-Jaz, Minister of Energy and Mining of Sudan and head of the delegation, expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for its consistent support of Sudan's economic development.

Describing China as "an old friend," Al-Jaz said that Sudanese have benefited a lot from a petroleum program initiated in Sudan by the China National Petroleum Corporation in late 1990s.

As Sudan's domestic situation becomes increasingly stabilized, the two countries' collaboration can be expanded toward a broader aspect, he noted.

There are many investing opportunities in Sudan, for instance, the construction of infrastructure facilities, agriculture and animal husbandry, Al-Jaz said.

Al-Jaz also reiterated the Sudanese government's stance against Taiwan Independence and its support for the one-China policy.

Zhou said that China and Sudan always enjoy good relations and have achieved noticeable progress in cooperation of many sectors.

He said that China wished the Sudanese government "could independently solve its domestic problems in a proper way" and revitalize its economy and social security as early as possible.

(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2004)