On January 12, 2006, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who was on a visit to Senegal, met with Prime Minister Macky Sall and held talks with Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio of Senegal in Dakar.

 

Li appreciated the Senegalese government for pursuing the one-China policy. He said that the resumption of diplomatic ties between both sides has opened broad prospect for bilateral cooperation in various areas. China attaches great importance to bilateral relations and would like to build up political mutual trust, expand economic cooperation and conduct cultural exchange with Senegal. Both sides should actively conduct exchanges between their governments, parliaments, parties and press communities, expand economic and trade cooperation and earnestly implement major cooperation programs. China would like to actively discuss the possibility of expanding exchanges and cooperation with Senegal in the areas of agriculture, culture & education, health and human resources. Besides both sides should strengthen cooperation in African and multilateral affairs.

 

Sall and Gadio indicated that Senegal would like to develop friendly cooperative relations of long-term stability with China, hopes to draw lessons from China's successful experience in economic and social development and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China, and welcomes Chinese businesses to invest in Senegal and participate in its development in the areas of agriculture, water conservancy and infrastructure. Senegal hopes to increase exports of peanuts and other products to China. Besides Senegal would like to maintain close dialogue and cooperation with China in international affairs.

 

The two Foreign Ministers also jointly signed the agreement on economic and technological cooperation between both governments and other documents.

 

Li started his official visit to Senegal on January 12.