Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks in Beijing on Tuesday with Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika, who said his visit had unveiled a new chapter for enhancing bilateral ties.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika in Beijing on Tuesday. (Xinhua Photo) 

The two countries established diplomatic ties in December last year. "This not only meets the fundamental interests of both countries and the two peoples, but also contributes to regional and world peace, stability and development," said Hu.

Mutharika said he was in China for friendship and cooperation, and expected to get support and cooperation from China for Malawi's poverty relief and development cause.

In response, Hu said the Chinese government was willing to develop long-term and healthy cooperative ties with Malawi on the basis of the one-China policy and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Mutharika reiterated his country's firm adherence to the one-China policy and the support for China's peaceful reunification.

Hu called on both countries to step up exchanges between leaders, government departments and ruling parties, support each other on major issues that concern respective core interests, enhance coordination on international and regional affairs and expand trade cooperation.

China has been supporting competent and reliable enterprises to invest in Malawi and seeking mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, fishery, mineral resources exploration and infrastructure construction, Hu said.

He also suggested that both sides should step up exchanges in culture, education, public health, media, youth and tourism.

Mutharika said Malawi was ready to cement cooperation with China in the areas of agriculture, electricity, transportation, mineral resources exploration and infrastructure construction.

He hoped the two peoples could enhance mutual understanding through youth and education exchanges.

When Malawi forged diplomatic relations with China on December 28, it cut its 41-year-old ties with Taiwan.

Mutharika arrived on Monday afternoon for a weeklong state visit to China as Hu's guest.

He will also visit Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, and the cities of Shenzhen and Shanghai.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)