State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Beijing Tuesday afternoon with Liberian Defense Minister Daniel Chea, the first visitor since the two countries restored diplomatic ties in 2003.  

"We have already opened a new page, and now we should work together to draw the beautiful pictures on the page," said Tang.

China and Liberia established diplomatic ties in 1977, and the relationship has been severed twice because Liberia established official contacts with Taiwan.

"The things that occurred in the past will never happen again, and Liberia adheres to one-China policy," said Chea, speaking highly of China's economic development.

Tang said China and Liberia have been improving political trust and cooperation in all fields is on expansion. Developing the friendly relations with the African countries has long been one of China's guidelines in foreign policy.

He also said China supports Liberia's efforts to realize national reconciliation and rebuild the country.

"We would like to work with Liberia to push forward the bilateral ties further developing in a sustaining, healthy and stable way," said Tang.

Chea is visiting China at the invitation of Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan. The two held talks Monday on further exchanges between the militaries.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2005)