Foreign ministers from China and Maldives on Friday agreed to deepen traditional friendship and enhance cooperation of mutual benefits.

The China-Maldives relations have witnessed sound growth since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1972, said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi during a meeting with his Maldives counterpart Ahmed Shaheed.

The China-Maldives relationship has set a good example for the relationship between big and small nations in terms of equality, sincere cooperation and harmonious coexistence, Yang said.

Yang thanked the Maldivian government's firm support of China on the Taiwan, Tibet and human rights issues, adding China will be "a good neighbour, friend and partner" of Maldives.

Based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, China is willing to join hands with Maldives to deepen traditional friendly relations, Yang said.

Echoing Yang's views, Shaheed expressed his thanks for Chinese government's large quantities of assistance to Maldives, which has played an active role in the country's economic and social development.

Shaheed reiterated the Maldivian government's adherence to the one-China policy, saying based on the UN Charter Maldives will push forward its friendly cooperation with China.

After the talks, the two ministers signed an agreement on further cooperation between China and Maldives in economy and technology.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2007)