Chinese, Cote d'Ivoire PMs vow to boost economic, trade ties

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his counterpart Soro Guillaume from Cote d'Ivoire pledged here Friday to boost bilateral trade, economic ties and China-Africa cooperation.

China attaches importance to its relations with Africa and will enhance exchange with the West African state, Wen said, labelling Cote d'Ivoire as China's good friend and partner in the continent.

During a half-hour meeting with Soro following the opening ceremony of an international trade fair in the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Wen vowed to encourage capable Chinese companies with good credit to invest in Cote d'Ivoire, especially in such sectors as transportation, telecommunication and electricity.

Soro appreciated China's support to the peace progress and economic reconstruction of his country, pledging to stick to the one-China policy.

Cote d'Ivoire will promote high-level visits, trade and economic ties with China, he said.

Soro spoke highly of China's policy towards Africa, welcomed China's investment and acknowledged that the Africa-China cooperation was mutually beneficial and win-win.

Source: Xinhua