Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Ugandan Prime Minister Apollo Robin Nsibambi in Beijing Monday called for strengthening of economic cooperation and trade.

Wen said last year's trade volume between China and Uganda doubled that of the previous year, which demonstrates that there was still great potential in developing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Chinese government is willing to make more efforts to expand bilateral trade, encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in Uganda's economic construction and explore the possibility of cooperation in energy and other fields, said the Chinese premier.

Nsibambi said his government hoped to strengthen economic cooperation, especially in agriculture, health, energy, trade and investment.

On the bilateral ties at large, Wen said the China-Uganda ties had witnessed smooth expansion since the two established diplomatic relations some 40 years ago, adding that the exchange of high-level visits had increased the mutual understanding and trust and strengthened the mutual support in the international affairs.

The premier stressed that the Chinese government will, as always, back Uganda in its efforts to safeguard national stability and develop the economy, and China is willing to lift the bilateral relationship to a higher level.

Nsibambi spoke highly of the remarkable achievements China had made since it adopted the policy of reform and opening up, expressing thanks for China's generous assistance to Uganda.

Uganda will, as always, firmly adhere to the one-China policy, Nsibambi said, noting that the policy is in the interest of the Chinese people.

Wen and Nsibambi also exchanged views on the upcoming second ministerial conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, which will be held in Ethiopia in December.

After the talks, they also attended a signing ceremony for the agreement on the economic and technological cooperation between China and Uganda.

Before the talks, Wen hosted a welcoming ceremony in honor of Nsibambi, who is here for a seven-day official visit.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2003)