Trade union leaders of China and several African countries met in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, and the two sides expressed the hope to further advance their cooperation.

"The trade unions of China and African countries are trusty good friends and partners. The China visit are believed to further promote an in-depth development of our relations," said Wang Zhaoguo, chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU).

Highly appraising the African trade unions's stance of upholding the principles and justice in international workers movement, Wang expressed gratitude for the support of African trade unions to China's trade union in international labor affairs as well as their sincere condolences for the massive earthquake China suffered this year.

Leaders from 11 African countries' national trade unions and industrial trade unions depicted China's trade union as good comrades and brothers, and thanked for the support and assistance from the Chinese government and trade union for years.

They said they would work with the Chinese side to bring their friendly cooperation to a new stage.

Wang also briefed the guests on China's current political and economic situation and the work of ACFTU.

The African trade union leaders are in Beijing for a seminar jointly held by the ACFTU and Chinese Ministry of Commerce, which has been held for four rounds since 2004.

Altogether 26 leaders from 11 African countries' national trade unions and industrial trade unions attended the seminar, which was held from October 13 to 14 in Beijing. Besides the Chinese capital, the African trade union leaders will also visit Tianjin Municipality in north China, and Zhejiang Province and Shanghai Municipality in east China.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2008)