Visiting Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong and Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema issued a joint statement Thursday and expressed their determination to promote political contact and cooperation in all aspects between the two countries.  

Both China and Togo are determined to support each other in international affairs and cooperate more closely to promote their bilateral friendly cooperative relations to develop further in all the fields, the statement said.

In the statement issued after Zeng held talks with President Eyadema, Togo reiterated that it firmly pursues the one-China policy and supports the cause of China's reunification.

The statement said the two governments will encourage trade and investment in the other side, especially in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure and the development of human resources.

Both sides also stressed the United Nations' irreplaceable role in safeguarding world peace and security.

The joint statement called on the developed countries to undertake proper responsibilities and obligations and fulfill their promises of providing economic and technological aid to the developing countries.

The two leaders said both China and Togo advocate that developing countries should unite together and strive to become stronger.

The statement also called on developing countries to reinforce South-South cooperation and to promote South-North dialogue to accelerate the establishment of a just and fair political and economic order in the world.

Both sides spoke highly of the friendly cooperative relations between China and African countries and regard the Sino-African cooperation forum as an effective mechanism to enhance collective consultations and pragmatic cooperation between China and African countries, the statement said.

China is always willing to establish and consolidate its long-term, stable, equal and mutually-beneficial all-round cooperative partnership with African nations, the statement said.

Zeng arrived in Togo on Wednesday at the invitation of President Eyadema after winding up his official visit to Tunisia.

During the Chinese vice president's first visit to this African country, the two countries have signed a series of cooperation agreements.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2004)