Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong arrived in Lomé Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Togo. Zeng was received at the airport by Togolese National Assembly President Ouattara Fambare Natchaba who gave Zeng a warm welcome ceremony.  

In a written statement issued upon his arrival, Zeng first praised Togo as China's friendly country in tradition and important cooperation partner.

Zeng said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, the two countries have had fruitful cooperation in political, economic and trade, health, education and other areas, with his visit aiming at strengthening mutual understanding, consolidating traditional friendship and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Chinese government is willing to work together with the Togolese government to push the friendly bilateral relations to anew high, the Chinese vice president said.

He believes that his visit would surely achieve positive results to contribute to the further development of the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, his first to this African country in the capacity of the Chinese vice president, Zeng will hold talks with Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema on bilateral relations and on issues of common concern.

The two countries are expected to sign cooperation agreements during Zeng's trip.

Zeng arrived here at the invitation of the Togolese president after winding up his official visit to Tunisia.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2004)