On December 22, Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong met with visiting Burundian Minister of External Relations and Cooperation Ms Antoinette Batumubwira in the Great Hall of the People.

Zeng said that though the two countries are far away from each other, their people share a profound friendship. Since the resumption of diplomatic ties over 30 years ago, bilateral relations have always been developing soundly and steadily. Both sides have continuously built up mutual understanding and trust and maintained sound cooperation in the areas of politics, economy & trade, culture & education and heath, as well as international affairs. China appreciates the Burundian government for resolute adherence to the one-China principle and support of China's grand cause of reunification.

Zeng congratulated on Burundi's successful election, smooth conclusion of the transitional period and entry into a new stage of peace and development. He indicated that the Chinese government will continue to support Burundi's peace process and its cause of national reconstruction, further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Burundi in various areas and jointly push for the development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

Batumubwira indicated that both sides share a traditional friendship and either when Burundi experienced difficulties or in the new period when it has concluded its transitional period and committed to national economic development, the Chinese government and people have always resolutely stood with the Burundian people. The Burundian government will continue adhering to the one-China policy and would like to make joint efforts with the Chinese government to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the economic and trade area and push for steady and in-depth development of bilateral relations.