China vows to support Sudan's national reconciliation

Xinhua, June 30, 2011

Top legislator Wu Bangguo and Vice Premier Li Keqiang met respectively with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Wednesday, vowing to boost bilateral cooperation and support Sudan's efforts in national reconciliation.

In their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Wu called Bashir's current China trip an important visit in China-Sudan relations, which would facilitate greater development of bilateral relations.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislative body, hailed the smooth development of bilateral ties, citing frequent high-level exchanges, enhanced political trust and expanded trade cooperation.

"No matter how the international situation changes, China's friendly policy towards Sudan will remain unchanged, and the trend of our substantial cooperation won't change either," Wu said.

China respects the choice the Sudanese people have made on the path to develop their own country, and supports Sudan's efforts in promoting national reconciliation and economic development, he said.

"China will treasure its relations with Sudan," he said, pledging joint efforts with the country to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

With regard to parliamentary exchanges, Wu said the NPC has maintained friendly exchanges with the National Assembly of Sudan and called for joint efforts to enrich the content of cooperation and inject new vitality into China-Sudan relations.

Bashir extended congratulations on the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

He said Sudan was satisfied with the achievements of bilateral cooperation in various areas and hopes to further cement cooperation among governments, parliaments and parties.

Sudan firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China's reunification cause, Bashir added.

The two sides also exchanged views on the domestic situation of Sudan as well as the situation in West Asia and North Africa.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang also met with Bashir later on Wednesday.

Li said China is ready to make joint efforts with Sudan to explore potential to broaden practical cooperation and enhance cultural exchanges in a bid to boost further growth of bilateral relations.

As to Sudan's peace process, Li said China supports the peace process between the north and south of Sudan and is committed to promoting the proper settlement of the Darfur issue.

China hopes the northern and southern sides of Sudan, in the spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation, can solve their differences through negotiations and consultations and implement the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) they signed in 2005, said the vice premier.

"China is willing to join the international efforts to play a constructive role in promoting long-term peace, stability and development of Sudan and the region," he added.

Bashir said his government highly appreciates China's positive role in promoting the peace process between the north and south of Sudan and the settlement of the Darfur issue.

He vowed to enhance cooperation with China in trade, culture and other fields.

Bashir arrived in Beijing early Tuesday morning. President Hu Jintao held talks with him Wednesday morning and both leaders witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral, cooperative agreements.

President Bashir's visit to China is "historical" as southern Sudan is to realize formal independence on July 9, said Sudanese Foreign Minister Ahmed Ali Karti at a press briefing.

This visit is aimed at supporting the good Sudanese-Chinese relations and to sustain its continuity, Karti said Wednesday afternoon, as Bashir wrapped up meetings and talks with Chinese leaders.

He said that his country will respect all the cooperation agreements inked with China, which has become Sudan's No. 1 economic partner.

Karti called on Chinese investors to expand business in Sudan after July 9, especially in the oil and gas and agriculture and mining sectors.

Karti appreciates China's support for his country, especially on the international stage.

China's humanitarian assistance, such as schools, health centers and water wells in Sudan's Darfur region, promoted the recovery of the local economy and established a good example for other countries, he said.