عربي Español Русский Français 简体中文

Premier Zhu Rongji Meets Lesotho Prime Minister

2001-12-06 10:12
On the afternoon of 3 December, Premier Zhu Rongji held talks with visiting Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the China-Lesotho relations and other issues of common concern, and reached consensus on a wide ranges of issues.

Zhu first welcomed Mosisili to China. He said that the friendly relations between China and Lesotho enjoy a long history. As early as in the 1950s and 1960s, the Chinese people extended sympathy to and supported for the Lesotho people's struggle for national independence, and the two countries thereafter forged a profound friendship. He believed that Mosisili's current visit to China will surely elevate the bilateral ties into a new level.

Zhu spoke highly of the bilateral ties. He said that since the two countries resumed their diplomatic relations 7 years ago, the two nations has scored remarkable achievements of friendly cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, culture, education and health care. The visit by Letsie III of Lesotho to China in1999 had furthered the understanding and friendship between China and Lesotho. China and Lesotho are both developing countries and are both facing the important task of developing economy, raising people's living standard. It is therefore in the benefits of the fundamental interests of the two nations and two peoples to strengthen our unity and cooperation. China has always held that all nations, big or small, rich or poor, are equal in the international community. China is willing to develop a steady, sincere and long-term cooperative relationship of mutual interest with Lesotho. Zhu expressed the belief that as long as the two countries view and deal with their relations from a long-term and strategic prospective, they will overcome any adverse intervention and push the bilateral relations continuously forward along a healthy road.

As for bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Zhu said that since the two countries resumed their diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation in economy and trade has yielded many achievements. The help offered by China to Lesotho, although not handsome, was sincere and without any conditions. China hopes that it could be of help for Lesotho's economic development. The Chinese government encourages Chinese enterprises to conduct cooperation with enterprises of Lesotho. China believes that with concerted efforts from both sides, bilateral cooperation in economy and trade will make more progress in accordance with the principles of equality, variety, stressing on practical results and seeking common development put forward at the Forum on Sino-African Cooperation.

Zhu spoke highly of Lesotho's domestic and foreign policy. He said that since Misisili came into power, the Lesotho government has overcome various difficulties, promoted national reconciliation, upgraded the living standard of the Lesotho people, and embarked on the road of stability and economic development. He noted that Lesotho has been pursuing a policy of non-alliance, good-neighborliness and friendship and has been actively participating in regional economic cooperation in a bid to provide a better external environment for its economic development, for which China expresses its appreciation. Zhu expressed the conviction that as long as the Lesotho government and people continue to make unremitting efforts, Lesotho is bound to enjoy long-term stability and economic revitalization.

He also extended thanks Lesotho for its adherence to the one-China policy, its support to China's reunification cause as well as its support to China in international affairs.

Expressing thanks for the hospitality and warm reception accorded to him by the Chinese government and people, Mosisili extended congratulations on China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its successful bid to host the Olympic Games 2008.

While applauding China's achievements in economic reform and socialist modernization, Mosisili said that Lesotho can learn a lot from China's experience in developing economy, improving people's life and eliminating poverty.

Agreeing with Zhu's appraisal of bilateral relations, Mosisili said that the Lesotho government and people have benefited a lot from China's valuable assistance and support over the years. He noted that the two countries have carried out good exchanges and cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, culture and public health, adding that such cooperation has furthered the friendship between the two countries and the two peoples.

Mosisili said that the Lesotho government has been committed to developing its national economy, alleviating poverty and improving its people's lives, which presents a good opportunity of exploring new cooperation areas for both countries. He added that Lesotho welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Lesotho.

He also reiterated Lesotho's firm stance on the one-China policy.

After the talks, Zhu and Mosisili presided over a signing ceremony where related governmental departments of the two countries signed agreements on economic and technical cooperation and exemption of debts.
Suggest to a friend
Print