Important partner for cooperation

In his meeting with Ali Bongo, Hu described Gabon as "China's major partner for cooperation in Africa".

He said bilateral relations have been going on in a sound and stable manner 36 years after China and Gabon forged diplomatic ties. "We're willing to work with Gabon to keep expanding bilateral cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and common development."

Hu suggests the two nations should:

-- increase contacts and exchanges between people of all levels and from diverse fields, enhance mutual political trust and continue to understand and support each other on major issues concerning their vital interests;

-- deepen cooperation in environmental protection, science and technology, telecommunication and infrastructure construction;

-- carry out personnel exchanges. Hu said China is willing to train more management and technical professionals for Gabon;

-- cement collaboration in the UN Security Council and other multilateral bodies and enhance consultation on major international and regional issues to maintain the common interests of the developing nations.

Ali Bongo said Gabon is happy with its relations with China and is willing to further promote the partnership, deepen and expand concrete cooperation in diverse sectors and make such reciprocal cooperation exemplary in South-South cooperation.

Dozens of foreign leaders and distinguished guests will attend the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo on Friday.

The 184-day event will be the largest world exhibition ever and is expected to draw 70 million visitors from China and abroad. It is attended by 192 countries and 50 international organizations.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2010)