Foreign ministers of China and Sierra Leone held talks in Beijing on Wednesday and agreed to further promote bilateral relations and cooperation in many fields.

"China values the traditional friendship with Sierra Leone and will continue to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, health and human resources training," said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

Yang hailed the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties, as well as the two countries' mutual support and close cooperation in international affairs.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, Zainab Hawa Bangura, thanked Yang for the long-term assistance from the Chinese government.

She said Sierra Leone will have more cooperation with China on issues such as trade, infrastructure construction and agriculture to promote the country's economic development.

Bangura also reiterated that Sierra Leone will continue to abide by the one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency November 5, 2008)