Chinese, Maldives Foreign Ministers Hold Talks

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said on Thursday that China wishes to work with the Maldives to push forward bilateral relations in the new century.

Tang, in talks with visiting Foreign Minister Fathulla Jameel of the Maldives, said that China and Maldives enjoy traditional friendship. He said that the two countries have had fruitful cooperation in various areas since the establishment of diplomatic ties 29 years ago.

Tang thanked the Maldives government for its consistent support to China concerning the human rights, Taiwan, and Tibet issues.

China will continue to pursue its policy of developing the long-term stable and friendly cooperation with the Maldives on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence, Tang noted.

Jameel said that his government attaches great importance to its relationship with China and regards China as its important friend.

Jameel expressed his gratitude for China's support to the Maldives both in bilateral and international arenas.

The Maldives fully supports China's complete reunification of the motherland and highly appreciates China's far-sighted policy towards the reunification issue, Jameel said.

(Xinhau News Agency 06/21/2001)