Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan held talks with Abdel Rahman Mohamed Shalgham, Libyan Secretary for External Relations and International Cooperation in Beijing on May 17th. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, African affairs and the international issues of common concern.


Tang Jiaxuan said that China and Libya both are developing countries, facing the same tasks of safeguarding state sovereignty, developing the national economy, and raising the standards of living of the people. It is in the interests of our two peoples to further promote the bilateral exchange and cooperation at every level and in a variety of areas and make efforts to explore new ways and channels for expanding the bilateral cooperation. He noted that developing the friendly and cooperative ties with Libya and other African countries is the set policy of the Chinese government.


The two sides also exchanged views on the Lockerbie issue. Reiterating China's principled position on the issue, Tang said that China will continue to work with parties concerned to seek a complete settlement of the issue at an early date.


Shalgham emphasized that Libya attaches great importance to developing the friendly and cooperative relations with China in all dimensions and intends to widen the scope of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, as well as strengthen cooperation in international affairs. Speaking highly of China's economic achievements, he said Libya hopes to share China's experiences in reform and opening up. He highly appreciates China's positive role in resolving the Lockerbie issue, and reiterated Libya's stance of adherence to the one China policy and furm support to China's reunification cause.