China will continue to work with Tanzania to consolidate and promote long-term unity and cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit, President Jiang Zemin said Thursday.
In a meeting in Beijing Thursday with Amani Abeid Karume, president of Zanzibar of the United Republic of Tanzania, Jiang said China values its traditional friendship with Tanzania.
He noted that China and Tanzania have enjoyed a long and close friendship shaped and cultivated by generations of leaders from both nations.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 38 years ago, Jiang said, bilateral friendly cooperation has developed in an all-round way while fruitful results have been made in exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, trade, cultural, educational and health sectors.
Noting that mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples have deepened, Jiang said he was satisfied with this momentum and appreciated Tanzania's insistence on maintaining the one-China policy.
He spoke highly of Tanzania's achievements in maintaining national stability and promoting economic progress.
He also expressed appreciation for Tanzania's efforts in safeguarding the unity of Africa and its important role in promoting regional cooperation and integration, Jiang said.
Karume thanked the Chinese Government for its political support and economic assistance to Tanzania over the years, adding that Tanzania is willing to learn from China's successful experiences in reform and opening up and strengthen unity and cooperation with China.
He reiterated that Tanzania will remain firm with regard to the one-China policy, adding that he hopes China will achieve reunification at an early date.
(China Daily August 23, 2002)
