On February 1, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao, soon after his arrival in Monrovia for a state visit to Liberia, held candid, in-depth and fruitful talks with Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Both sides agreed to make common efforts to implement the consensus reached by the two sides and push China-Liberia friendly cooperative ties to a new level.
Hu said that the Chinese and Liberian people enjoy a traditional friendship and that relations between the two countries have been developing rapidly since the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2003, with high-level exchanges increasing, mutual political trust enhanced, and trade and economic cooperation making headway. The projects of inter-governmental cooperation were conducted smoothly, and the cooperation in the fields of education, health, culture and human resources development has yielded fruitful results, said the Chinese president. China and Liberia have also maintained sound consultations and cooperation in international affairs, he said. Hu said that Chinese peacekeepers' participation in the UN peacekeeping operation in Liberia has contributed to peace, stability, reconstruction and development in Liberia. The Chinese president expressed appreciation for the unswerving adherence by the Liberian government and parliament to the one-China policy and their support for China's great cause of national reunification.
He pointed out that China is ready to work with Liberia to comprehensively implement the consensus reached and cooperation documents signed by both sides, so as to promote sound and rapid development of friendly cooperation. To this end, Hu put forward a four-point proposal. First, promoting exchanges between government departments, legislatures and political parties, as well as people-to-people contacts between the two countries, so as to lay a solid socio-political foundation for their friendship. Second, conducting pragmatic cooperation in trade and economy, sparing no effort in carrying out the ongoing cooperation projects, launching priority cooperation areas agreed upon by both sides at the earliest date possible and encouraging businesses to engage in various forms of cooperation. Third, jointly pushing for the implementation in Liberia of the commitments made at the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation for the benefit of the Liberian people. Fourth, expanding exchanges in the humanistic field and strengthening cooperation in education, health, culture, personnel training and international affairs to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing nations.
For her part, Johnson-Sirleaf said Hu's visit to Liberia is of great historical significance. The visit indicates that China is a friend of Africa and Liberia, she said. Johnson-Sirleaf thanked China for its support and aid for Liberia's reconstruction and development. Johnson-Sirleaf and Liberian cabinet ministers at the talks said as Liberia has just concluded its domestic war and many things are waiting to be done, Liberia hopes to learn from China's experience in its economic development, and to conduct cooperation with China in the fields of trade, investment and infrastructure. Liberia will strive for the success of cooperation projects with China to benefit its people and national development, she said. Johnson-Sirleaf reiterated the Liberian government's adherence to the one-China policy and voiced support for the development of relations between China and Africa.
After their talks, Hu and Johnson-Sirleaf witnessed the signing of seven documents on cooperation in economy, technology, health, education and agriculture. The two leaders also attended the inauguration of a China-aided malaria prevention and treatment center.
On the afternoon of the same day, Hu visited Chinese peacekeepers precipitating in the UN peacekeeping operation in Liberia, as well as the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Liberia and representatives from Chinese-funded institutions.
On the evening of the same day, Hu attended a welcoming banquet given by Johnson-Sirleaf in his honor. In his remarks, Hu pointed out that solidarity and cooperation with African countries always serve as a major foundation stone for China's diplomatic work. Hu said that the Chinese government, in line with the actual need of African countries and its own capacity, announced 8 policy measures to enhance practical cooperation with Africa and to support the development of African countries at the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held last November. "The purpose is to support African countries in their economic and social development, help African countries build the ability to develop on their own and push forward the Sino-African cooperation," the Chinese president said. He said that China will place as a top priority some cooperation projects in Africa within the FOCAC framework and in line with the principles of mutual benefit, friendly consultation, pragmatism and high efficiency according to the practical needs of African nations. These projects include debt write-off, tariff exemption, construction of a number of schools in rural areas of Africa, establishment of agriculture demonstration centers as well as centers for malaria prevention and treatment, Hu said. "We hope the African countries and their people would benefit from these measures as soon as possible," the Chinese president said. He said that the implementation of the measures will certainly play a positive role in developing a new type of the Sino-African strategic partnership and achieving the goal of common development.
State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and other accompanying officials attended the above-mentioned activities.