Senegal and China resumed diplomatic relations on the basis of traditional friendship, Senegalese State Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Tidiane Gadio said in Dakar on Monday.

This historic decision made by Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade was absolutely right, said Gadio when meeting with members of the Chinese embassy in Senegal charged with the task of reopening the embassy.

Gadio said Senegal's resumption of diplomatic ties with China is not subject to any conditions. Both countries will carry out normal cooperation of mutual benefit, and will seek to play an important role within the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

He reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that Senegal, along with most countries in the world, will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, which is also the long-standing stance of the UN.

China severed diplomatic relations with Senegal in 1996 when Dakar "resumed" ties with Taiwan.

China and Senegal resumed ties at the ambassadorial level on October 25, 2005, during Gadio's visit to Beijing.

In a joint communiqué signed during the visit, Senegal said it recognizes that there is only one China in the world and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole China.

Senegal has decided to send its delegation in December to reopen its embassy in Beijing, said Gadio.

(Xinhua News Agency November 29, 2005)