On the afternoon of April 5th, 2004, President Hu Jintao held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Joaquim Alberto Chissano, President of Mozambique, who was paying a working visit to China. The two sides exchanged views with each other in a cordial and friendly atmosphere on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

President Hu Jintao made positive remarks on China-Mozambique relations. He said China and Mozambique have enjoyed long-standing profound friendship with each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 29 years ago, bilateral relations between the two countries have been developing steadily. Exchanges of top-level visits are frequent, exchanges and cooperation in various areas are productive, and the two sides have offered understanding and support for each other in international affairs. Hu highly complimented the adherence by President Chissano and the government of Mozambique to the one-China policy and their persistent support to China on issues related to Taiwan and human rights. He said that the government and people of China highly cherish the brotherly friendship with Mozambique and would like to work together with Mozambique to bring the friendly relations of cooperation between the two countries in the new century to new stages.

President Hu made three proposals with regard to further developing China-Mozambique friendly relations and cooperation in this new period of time. First, the two sides should maintain the momentum of exchanges of top-level visits and enhance exchanges between the legislative bodies, government agencies and political parties. Second, the two sides should deepen economic and trade cooperation and make successful efforts in implementing cooperation programs that they have agreed upon. At the same time, cooperation in such areas as agriculture, mining, infrastructure construction and human resources development should be boosted. Third, the two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.

President Chissano said the Chinese government has offered firm support for Mozambique in its fight for independence and rendered precious assistance to Mozambique after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which would never be forgotten by the Mozambicans. He fully agreed with the comments by President Hu Jintao on bilateral relations and suggestions thereupon. He said there has been a strong momentum of development in Mozambique-China relations and the two sides have cooperated well with each other in bilateral as well as international affairs. It is hoped that the two sides can enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, agriculture, fishery and tourism.

Mr. Chissano stressed that Taiwan is a province of China. Mozambique firmly supports China's lofty cause of reunification and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy as always.

When talking about situations in Africa and China-Africa relations, Hu said that the overall trend in Africa is going towards détente in recent years and the African economies have been growing for many years in a row. The development of the African Union is in full swing and the "New Partnership for Africa's Development" (NEPAD) has outlined a grandiose blueprint for African development. Africa is now playing an increasingly active role in international affairs. Despite the legion of difficulties on the road of African development, Africa will surely witness rejuvenation so long as the African countries work together and make unremitting efforts with the help of the international community. As a friend of African countries, China has consistently supported their efforts for peace and development and has enhanced cooperation with Africa in this regard. I am confident that the friendly relations of cooperation between China and Africa will definitely witness further development with the concerted efforts of the two sides.

President Chissano said China is a force of peace and development and has played an important role in promoting progress in developing countries and in striving for a fair and equitable international order. China is a firm supporter of NEPAD and it is hoped that China will renew its active efforts in African affairs.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai and Minister of Land and Natural Resources Sun Wensheng attended the talks. After the talks, the heads of state attended the signing ceremony of the Agreement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique on Economic and Technological Cooperation and Minutes of the 2nd Joint Committee of Economy, Trade and Technology Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique.