With China and Cameroon both having weathered great changes in international and domestic affairs, Sino-Cameroonian relations have steadily strengthened, President Hu Jintao told visiting Cameroon President Paul Biya yesterday.

Since diplomatic relations were established 32 years ago, the two nations have strengthened high-level exchanges and cooperation in all fields and supported each other in dealing with international issues, Hu said.

President Biya agreed, saying that rich fruits have been harvested through mutual cooperation in the political, trade, sanitary and infrastructure sectors. The relationship between China and Cameroon has set a good example for all developing countries, he said.

Hu thanked the Cameroon Government for its one-China policy and support for China's reunification. He said Cameroon is not only an important country in Central Africa, but also one of China's important cooperative partners in that region.

Cameroon has made positive contributions to the settlement of regional and international issues as well to the peace and development of Central Africa, Hu added.

He stressed China will push forward to develop Sino-African relations from the strategic view of enhancing South-South cooperation.

Cameroon fully agrees with China's suggestion on further improving friendly cooperation and will work hard with China to take a new phase of bilateral relations to a new high, said Biya.

After their meeting, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony for three cooperative agreements, including one on economic and technical cooperation.

At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, President Biya arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a five-day state visit.

During his stay, Biya will exchange views with Chinese leaders on China-Cameroon relations, regional and international issues, and other issues of common concern.

(China Daily September 23, 2003)