During his talks with South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Li said China supports the New Partnership for Africa's Development and all African countries in their efforts to achieve national reconciliation and social stability.

Stability is the requirement of Africa's development, he said, adding "China will continue to help Africa withstand the challenge coming from globalization via the China-Africa Cooperative Forum."

"We would like to make use of both official and private channels to improve infrastructure and develop human resources in a bid to deepen mutual cooperation between China and African countries," he said.

Li said South Africa is an important country in Africa and is also the gateway to the African continent.

"There is a broad prospect for cooperation between China and South Africa, which have enjoyed fast progress in such cooperation in various fields," he added.

While expressing warm welcome to Li's visit, Zuma said China is of great strategic importance in the world and its fast development attracts worldwide attention.

The present world is not stable, he said, stressing it is the common desire of the international community to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

"The people of the world expect China to play a greater role in maintaining global peace," he said.

Under such circumstances, he said, it is necessary for South Africa and China to keep high-level contact and enhance coordination as well as cooperation.

Zuma also expressed hope that the two countries would further increase exchanges, deepen mutual understanding, and learn and help each other during the development process in their own countries.

Development is the major subject for Africa, which suffered slavery in history, Zuma said, adding the continent is now seeking a correct route of development.

"To achieve this end, Africa needs stability and peace and is ready to join efforts with China and the rest of the international community," he said.

After the talks, Li and Zuma attended the signing ceremony of the Treaty between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2003)