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Thursday, November 08, 2007

Sierra Leone's new president reiterates adherence to "one-China" policy

Sierra Leone's new President Ernest Bai Koroma reiterated Wednesday that his government unswervingly adheres to the "one-China" policy and supports China's great cause of national reunification.

    Koroma made the remarks when meeting with Chinese special envoy Zhai Jun at the presidential palace, the Chinese embassy in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, said in a press release.

    Zhai, also Chinese assistant foreign minister, conveyed Chinese President Hu Jintao's congratulations on his election, saying that China-Sierra Leone relations have enjoyed a healthy and stable development since the two nations established diplomatic ties 36 years ago.

    Both sides have achieved fruitful results in such fields as politics, economy and trade, he said, adding that the Chinese government appreciates that Sierra Leone stands by the "one-China" policy.

    China is willing to strengthen mutual political trust, broaden friendly cooperation in various fields and push forward the development of bilateral ties, Zhai said.

    Koroma expressed his appreciation for China's assistance in the fields of electricity, infrastructure and agriculture.

    Zhai arrived in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, Tuesday. During the visit, he also met with Abel Nathaniel Stronge, speaker of the House of Representatives of Sierra Leone, former President Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, and Foreign Minister Zainab Hawa Bangura.

Sierra Leone's new president reiterates adherence to "one-China" policy