The Chinese government appreciated the adherence of Chad to the one-China policy, Vice President Zeng Qinghong said on Wednesday.

 

"Chad is committed to one-China principle and has no official contact with Taiwan, and we praise this," Zeng said during a meeting with Ahmad Allam-Mi, Chad's Minister of External Relations.

 

Allam-Mi reaffirmed the stance, saying Chad was ready to cement relations with China to benefit the peoples of both countries.

 

China and Chad established formal diplomatic links in 1972, but they were severed in 1997 when Chad "resumed diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. In August last year, diplomatic ties were restored.

 

Zeng said cooperation had expanded rapidly since then, adding that a friendly relations conformed to the long-term and fundamental interests of both peoples.

 

He said China wanted to strengthen the innovative and strategic partnership with all African nations.

 

Allam-Mi said Chad and China had cooperated fruitfully on trade, infrastructure, agriculture and public health since restoring diplomatic ties, and Chad would develop relations with China.

 

He also praised China for its positive role in helping resolve the African issues.

 

Allam-Mi arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a three-day visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing. He will attend a ceremony to open Chad's embassy to China.

 

The Chinese embassy to Chad opened in January.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2007)