The Chinese government appreciated the adherence of Chad to the
one-China policy, Vice President Zeng Qinghong said on
Wednesday.
"Chad is committed to one-China principle and has no official
contact with Taiwan, and we praise this," Zeng said during a
meeting with Ahmad Allam-Mi, Chad's Minister of External
Relations.
Allam-Mi reaffirmed the stance, saying Chad was ready to cement
relations with China to benefit the peoples of both countries.
China and Chad established formal diplomatic links in 1972, but
they were severed in 1997 when Chad "resumed diplomatic ties" with
Taiwan. In August last year, diplomatic ties were restored.
Zeng said cooperation had expanded rapidly since then, adding
that a friendly relations conformed to the long-term and
fundamental interests of both peoples.
He said China wanted to strengthen the innovative and strategic
partnership with all African nations.
Allam-Mi said Chad and China had cooperated fruitfully on trade,
infrastructure, agriculture and public health since restoring
diplomatic ties, and Chad would develop relations with China.
He also praised China for its positive role in helping resolve
the African issues.
Allam-Mi arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a three-day visit at the
invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing. He will attend a
ceremony to open Chad's embassy to China.
The Chinese embassy to Chad opened in January.
(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2007)
