After their talk, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several deals, covering economic and technological cooperation, agriculture, public health and visa simplification.

This is Taha's third visit to China and his weeklong visit will also take him to Shanghai and Shenzhen. He will today meet with President Hu Jintao.

Vice-President Xi Jinping and his Sudanese counterpart Ali Osman Mohammed Taha inspect a guard of hornor in Beijing June 10, 2008. [China Daily]

A recent report quoted two US diplomats as praising China for its efforts in trying to resolve the Darfur issue and urging it to do more.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said earlier that China has always sought to solve the Darfur issue through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan, adding China's efforts were no worse or no less than those of any other country.

The first members of the fourth batch of a 435-strong peacekeeping force flew to Sudan last night and are expected to arrive this afternoon.

The team, comprising 275 engineers, 100 transport specialists and 60 medics, will help build roads and bridges, transfer personnel and supplies, and work to prevent disease outbreaks.

Their aim is to help the north and south to implement the peace agreement and resume social order. The next two groups from the fourth batch will leave next week.

(China Daily June 11, 2008)