On December 3, 2007, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met with a visiting joint press delegation from north and south Sudan.

On China-Sudan relations, Zhai said the two countries enjoy a traditional friendship and recent years have witnessed steadily growing bilateral ties, frequent high-level visits and fruitful trade cooperation. The China-Sudan cooperation in the oil sector, as a highlight in mutually beneficial cooperation, has brought tangible benefits to both peoples, he added.

When talking about China's relations with south Sudan, Zhai emphasized that China is a friend of the whole Sudanese people and the China-Sudan friendship also covers China's relationship with south Sudan. China is considering the possibility of establishing a consulate general in Juba, the capital of south Sudan and will encourage more Chinese businesses to take part in economic reconstruction in the south.

Zhai also took questions on such issues as relations between north and south Sudan and China-Sudan agriculture cooperation. Zhai said China supports the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to achieve national reconciliation and safeguard the country's stability and unity is in the fundamental interests and development interests of all Sudanese people. China is ready to actively conduct cooperation with Sudan in the agricultural field, he added.