China will further enhance its cooperation with East Timor in various fields, including economy and trade, and will continue to support East Timor's economic and social reconstruction, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Wednesday.

Tang made the remarks in his meeting with East Timor Prime Minister Mary Alkatiri, who is in Beijing to attend the eighth Annual CEO Forum of Business Week.

The Chinese government attaches importance to its good-neighborly and friendly relations with East Timor, he said.

Tang said the relations between China and East Timor has witnessed noteworthy progress since the two countries established diplomatic ties two years ago.

The two sides enjoy sound cooperative relations between their governments, legislatures and ruling parties. The two countries have also scored smooth cooperation in the fields of oil and gas exploration, agriculture and fishery, he said.

Alkatiri expressed appreciation to China's support and assistance for East Timor. He said that the government of East Timor is ready to further enhance its exchanges and cooperation with China while attracting more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country.

Alkatiri reaffirmed East Timor's firm adherence to the one-China policy. Tang expressed appreciation and gratitude in return.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2004)