Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Lassana Traore, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali exchanged ideas on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

China and Mali have developed healthy and sound bilateral ties since forging diplomatic ties over 40 years ago, and their cooperation in various fields is fruitful, said Li.

Li added that the two countries also supported each other and collaborated well on international affairs, and the Chinese side appreciates the stance of the Mali government on the "one China" policy.

Li said that the Chinese government treasures the traditional friendship with Mali, and would like to join efforts with the Mali government to take China-Mali ties to a higher level in the new century.

Traore said the Mali side was satisfied with the progressing cooperation between Mali and China, and hoped it would be further expanded and strengthened in the future.

Traore expressed his belief that the mechanism of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum will play an important role in establishing the new partnership between Africa and China.

Traore added that the Mali side will continue to abide by the "one China" policy.

After the talks, the two foreign ministers signed an agreement for establishing a political consultative mechanism between the two ministries.

Traore began his China visit on July 15 as Li's guest.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2003)