On June 11, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with visiting Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides held talks in a friendly atmosphere.

On China-Sudan relations, Hu said developing a long-term and stable relationship with Sudan based on mutual respect, sincere friendship, equality and reciprocity has been a consistent policy of the Chinese government. Hu pledged to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sudan diplomatic relations as a chance for furthering political dialogue, exchanges and cooperation between the two countries so as to inject new vitality into the development of bilateral ties.

On the Darfur issue, Hu said in order to further ease the situation in Darfur and properly resolve the Darfur issue at the earliest date possible, the three parties -- the Sudanese government, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations -- should fully play their roles to deploy the hybrid UN-AU mission at an early date through dialogue and equal consultation. Also, peacekeeping operations and the political process should be pushed forward in a balanced manner to resume political negotiations and strive for their substantive progress. A ceasefire should be achieved and the humanitarian situation and security should be improved in Darfur to help people there to rebuild their homeland. Hu also called upon the international community to offer assistance to the Darfur region, especially aid for development. China is ready to enhance consultation and coordination with Sudan and other relevant parties to continue its constructive role in achieving the above-mentioned goals.

Taha hailed the vigorous development of bilateral cooperation in all areas, adding that to consolidate and develop bilateral friendly cooperation conforms to the common interests of both peoples and thus is welcome and supported by them. It also plays an important role for regional peace and stability. Both sides will hold activities to mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year, he said. Sudan is ready to make joint efforts with China to earnestly implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries on developing bilateral ties in a bid to further enhance bilateral friendly cooperation in all areas, said Taha, expressing belief that bilateral ties will achieve better development.

Taha expressed appreciation for the important role of China in pushing forward the resolution of the Darfur issue. He also thanked China for sending peacekeeping forces and offer of humanitarian assistance and aid for development in Darfur region. He said Sudan will cooperate with the UN and AU to deploy the hybrid mission in Darfur and push forward the peace process as well as the proper settlement of the Darfur issue.

Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and other officials attended the meeting.