China is willing to make joint efforts with Liberia to promote friendly cooperation between the two countries, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing Thursday.

Li made the remark during the talks with visiting Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs Thomas Nimely, who arrived in Beijing Wednesday for an official visit to China as guest of Li. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

Li said China and Liberia enjoy traditional friendship, and since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations last October, ties have witnessed continuous process, with good momentum maintained in the political and economic and trade cooperation.

China appreciates Liberia's adherence to one-China policy, Li said.

To maintain and develop the China-Liberia friendly cooperation accords with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, Li said, noting that China is willing to join hands with Liberia to strengthen political exchanges and to enhance cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, so as to move forward the bilateral ties.

Nimely said although the two sides resumed diplomatic relations not long ago, the cooperation between Liberia and China surpasses any period in history.

Nimely reiterated Liberia's upholding the one-China stance, expressed the government's thankfulness for China's assistance, and noted that Liberia hopes to expand cooperation with China in such fields as agriculture, resource development and education training.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2004)