Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu and Maltese President Edward Fenech Adami and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi have agreed to further expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in a number of fields.

Hui began his visit in Valletia on Wednesday at the invitation of the Maltese government after attending the funeral of late Saudi King Fahd Ibn Abdul-Aziz on behalf of Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Chinese government.

During his separate talks with the two Maltese leaders, Hui said that over the past 33 years since China and Malta established diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have undergone good development, with both sides respecting each other, treating each other equally, living in amity and being engaged in cooperation of mutual benefit.

He said the Chinese government attaches importance to developing relations with Malta and appreciates the Maltese government's adherence to the one-China policy over the Taiwan issue.

China also appreciates Malta's continuous efforts in promoting the traditional friendship between the two countries after its accession to the European Union. In so doing, Malta has become an active force in promoting the Sino-EU relations, Hui said.

The Chinese vice premier proposed that both countries maintain the momentum of exchanging high-level visits, upgrade and expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as trade, investment and agriculture, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture and tourism so as to further enhance bilateral ties.

President Adami spoke highly of bilateral ties, saying that for many years, Malta has been dedicated to developing friendly ties with China and takes pride in maintaining good relations with such a big country as China.

The president reiterated that Malta will firmly observe the one-China policy and highly regards the Chinese policy of "one country, two systems." He also thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to the economic and social developments in Malta.

Prime Minister Gonzi commended the remarkable achievements China has scored in its economic and social developments since its reform and opening up.

He hoped both countries would broaden and deepen their two-way trade and investment and strengthen cooperation in education, culture, agriculture and tourism.

Gozi said Malta will continue its efforts to consolidate the Sino-Maltese friendship and make further contributions to strengthening the Sino-EU relations.

Hui also met with other Maltese leaders including Vice Prime Minister Tonio Borg.

Source: Xinhua