Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin on Thursday vowed to promote friendly and cooperative ties with Singapore.

 

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) made the remarks when meeting with Singaporean Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in Beijing.

 

Jia briefed Goh on the situation across the Taiwan Straits, saying the Chinese government appreciated Singapore's adherence to the one-China policy and its opposition to the so-called "Taiwan Independence."

 

The CPPCC chairman hailed the development of China-Singapore relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1990.

 

The two sides enhanced exchange and cooperation in such sectors as politics, economy, trade, science and technology, education, culture and personnel exchange, he said.

 

Sino-Singaporean trade volume hit US$33 billion last year. The two countries also coordinated on international issues and on promoting ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he noted.

 

Goh said Singapore attaches importance to the relations with China and is satisfied with the cooperation.

 

Singapore hoped to enhance communication and cooperation with China in all fields and on major international and regional issues.

 

He reiterated that Singapore would stick to the one-China policy and oppose to "Taiwan Independence."

 

This is Goh's first China visit since the former Singaporean prime minister took up the post of senior minister in August 2004.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2006)