Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin on Thursday vowed to promote
friendly and cooperative ties with Singapore.
Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's
Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) made the remarks when
meeting with Singaporean Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in
Beijing.
Jia briefed Goh on the situation across the Taiwan Straits,
saying the Chinese government appreciated Singapore's adherence to
the one-China policy and its opposition to the so-called "Taiwan
Independence."
The CPPCC chairman hailed the development of China-Singapore
relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in
1990.
The two sides enhanced exchange and cooperation in such sectors
as politics, economy, trade, science and technology, education,
culture and personnel exchange, he said.
Sino-Singaporean trade volume hit US$33 billion last year. The
two countries also coordinated on international issues and on
promoting ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations, he noted.
Goh said Singapore attaches importance to the relations with
China and is satisfied with the cooperation.
Singapore hoped to enhance communication and cooperation with
China in all fields and on major international and regional
issues.
He reiterated that Singapore would stick to the one-China policy
and oppose to "Taiwan Independence."
This is Goh's first China visit since the former Singaporean
prime minister took up the post of senior minister in August
2004.
(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2006)
