Top political advisor Jia Qinglin said in Harare on Saturday that China will push forward substantial cooperation with Zimbabwe.

 

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, made the remarks at a meeting with Zimbabwean Speaker of the House of Assembly John Nkomo and President of the Senate Edna Madzongwe.

 

Jia, who arrived here Friday on an official good-will visit as a guest of the Zimbabwean parliament, said China treasures the relations with Zimbabwe.

 

China will work with Zimbabwe to implement the achievements made during the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, tackle potential for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and expand two-way investment, noted Jia.

 

The Chinese side will also strengthen cultural, educational, non-governmental and youth exchanges with Zimbabwe, said Jia.

 

He spoke highly of the development of bilateral relations and the sound communication between the two sides in international affairs.

 

He said facts have proven that the development of Sino-Zimbabwean friendship and cooperation is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people.

 

China appreciates Zimbabwe's adherence to the one-China policy, added Jia.

 

Briefing on the CPPCC, Jia said the CPPCC National Committee will work with the Zimbabwean parliament and related institutions to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in a bid to make contributions to the overall development of bilateral ties.

 

Nkomo and Madzongwe said Zimbabwe values friendship and cooperation with China and will continue to promote bilateral relations within bilateral and multilateral framework.

 

They said the Zimbabwean parliament will strengthen the exchanges with the CPPCC National Committee.

 

Zimbabwe is the third leg of Jia's visit to four African countries, which has already taken him to Tunisia and Ghana, and will also take him to Kenya.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2007)