Mali hopes to enhance cooperation with China in agriculture, health, communications, resources development, infrastructure and other key areas, leaders of the west African nation said on Saturday.

In separate meetings with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure and Prime Minister Ousmane Issoufi Maiga said their country hopes to learn from China's successful experience and enhance bilateral cooperation.

Enjoying lasting traditional friendship between them, Mali and China share extensive common ground -- whether in their struggle for independence in the past, or in their present efforts to safeguard world peace and build national prosperity, they said.

They expressed gratitude for China's enormous support and help to their country and pledged continued full support for China's reunification.

Li, recalling the profound and firm friendship between China and Mali, said the two countries should continue their mutual trust and support and enhance bilateral friendship and cooperation in light of the new circumstances.

China stands ready to work with Mali to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries during Toure's 2004 visit to China on the development of bilateral relations, seeking to deepen political dialogue and strengthen consultation and coordination in international and regional affairs, Li said.

China is also ready to expand trade and investment cooperation and increase cultural exchanges with Mali, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Li thanked the Malian leaders for their country's valuable support to China on the Taiwan question and other issues.

Li also reiterated Beijing's long-term support for African countries' efforts to strengthen unity and cooperation among them and achieve common development, adding that China seeks to deepen and expand its dialogue and cooperation with Africa through the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and other mechanisms.

Li arrived in the Malian capital Friday after visits to Cape Verde and Senegal. His African trip will also take him to Liberia,Nigeria and Libya.

Source: Xinhua