The Chinese government is willing to work with the Tonga government to expand cooperation and push forward long-term and stable ties, on the base of Five Principles of Co-existence.

Chinese President Hu Jintao made the remark in his meeting with Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, King of Tonga, in Beijing Monday.

Hu said ties between China and Tonga have developed rapidly. Exchange of visits at different levels were strengthened, economic and trading cooperation was enhanced, and the bilateral trade volume consistently increased.

The two sides communicated and cooperated in international and regional affairs, Hu said, with positive results in fields of culture, sanitation, and tourism.

Hu stressed China spoke highly of Tupou IV who made important contribution to normalization of China-Tonga relations, and appreciated Tonga's sticking to the one-China stand on issues of Taiwan.

China and Tonga, both located in Asia-Pacific region, are developing countries longing for peace and development, Hu noted. The two countries are complementary in development and cooperation between the two countries will bring development and prosperity to the two peoples.

Tupou IV said Tonga appreciated the support and help offered by the Chinese government and people for its economic and social construction since the normalization of the bilateral ties.

He also said Tonga will continue to adhere to the one-China policy. Tonga attaches importance to its relations with China, he added.

Tupou IV and his delegation arrived in Beijing on Monday morning for a two-day visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2004)