Leaders from African countries were unanimous in their desire to strengthen ties with China and China's entrepreneurs.

In the last leg of a four-country tour, Premier Wen Jiabao met with 13 African leaders during the Second Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

The participation of so many African leaders shows the importance they attach both to dialogue and to the profound friendship between Chinese and African people, Wen said.

China and African countries can develop relationships based on mutual respect and trust; moreover, China is prepared to enhance South-South cooperation and promote bilateral relations, Wen added.

With similar views in regards to many major international issues and with a common belief in cooperation, China and African countries can work together for world peace and development, he noted.

Forty years of fruitful cooperation and friendship between Congo and China have established a solid foundation for the two countries to expand cooperation, said Denis Sassou, president of the Republic of Congo.

Supporting China's great course of reunification, President of Mozambique Joaquim Alberto Chissano told Wen lots of Chinese companies have participated in the construction of railways, hospitals, housing and other infrastructure projects in his country.

After a four-nation tour to the United States, Canada, Mexico and Ethiopia, Premier Wen is scheduled to return to Beijing today.

(China Daily December 17, 2003)