Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade said Tuesday that his country attaches much importance to the development of its relations with China and hopes to further broaden all-around cooperation.

 

Wade made the remarks at a meeting with Han Qide, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China.

 

He expressed his appreciation for Han's visit to Senegal as a special envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao, saying bilateral relations have maintained sound development since the two countries reestablished diplomatic ties in 2005.

 

For his part, Han conveyed Hu's regards and congratulations and delivered a letter from the Chinese president to Wade.

 

The Chinese government values the friendship between China and Senegal and is willing to make concerted efforts with the Senegalese government to inaugurate a new phase for China-Senegal cooperative relations, he said.

 

Earlier in the day, Han also held talks with Pape Diop, speaker of Senegal's national assembly.

 

Han, who arrived in Dakar on Monday evening at the head of a high-level delegation to attend Wade's inauguration ceremony, will also participate in activities to celebrate the 47th anniversary of Senegal's independence.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2007)