China will work with Malta to lift bilateral friendship and cooperation to a new level, said a leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Friday.

 

Wu Guanzheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting with Alfred Sant, leader of the Labor Party of Malta.

 

Wu, also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said the relations between China and Malta have maintained a sound and healthy development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 34 years ago.

 

In recent years, the two countries have made new achievements in cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, culture, education and tourism, he said.

 

Wu appreciated Malta's consistent support for China in Taiwan and Tibet issues.

 

Wu said the CPC attaches great importance to friendly relations with the Malta Labor Party, hoping the two parties could strengthen dialogue and cooperation to jointly push forward the development of bilateral relations.

 

Highlighting China's rapid economic growth, Sant said China's development can be regarded as an opportunity instead of a threat for other countries.

 

Sant said the Maltese party will continue its adherence to the one-China policy and enhance its cooperation with the CPC to further promote nation-to-nation relations.

 

Sant is on an eight-day visit to China starting March 22 at the invitation of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2006)