Tang cited East Timor as the youngest nation in the world and said its people are full of vitality and confident in their nation's future development.

The East Timorese people, led by President Gusmao and Premier Alkatiri, were sure to overcome temporary difficulties and would make new achievements in building up their nation and play a positive role on international and regional issues, Tang said.

Tang noted that China was the first nation with which East Timor established diplomatic relations upon winning its independence.

A solid political foundation for the further growth of the two nations' relationship, he added, has been laid.

The two nations have forged the relationship based on equality and mutual trust, initiated the mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation and increased exchanges in various fields, he noted.

Tang went on to say that both China and East Timor recognize the great potential for the development of their bilateral relations.

Tang briefed the guest on the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and presented Horta an edition of the documents of the 16th CPC National Congress in English as a gift.

China is committed to furthering the bilateral relations based on its good will and friendship to regional neighbors, Tang said. China will also actively participate in the United Nations' operative work in East Timor and provide essential aid to the island nation.

Horta said the East Timorese people have just founded their nation and are still facing numerous difficulties. Nevertheless, he added, they are quite confident about their national development and prosperity.

East Timor attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is very grateful for its generous help, he said. East Timor is willing to promote cooperation with China the spheres of infrastructure construction, health care, natural oil and gas exploration, as well as in agriculture.

Horta said he hopes China will continue its support for the rebuilding of East Timor.

Meanwhile, he reiterated that the government of East Timor will continue to adhere to its one-China policy.

The East Timorese foreign minister and his party are visiting China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2002)