On December 1, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with Prime Minister of Lesotho Pakalitha Mosisili in the Great Hall of the People. Both sides exchanged views on furthering bilateral friendly cooperation and international issues of common interest.

Wen made positive comments on bilateral relations and appreciated the government of Lesotho for attaching great importance to developing relations with China, resolutely pursuing the one-China policy and supporting China's grand cause of reunification. He said that since the resumption of diplomatic ties between both sides 11 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and both sides have increasingly deepened mutual political trust, conducted closer mutual support and coordination in international affairs and steadily expanded cooperation in the areas of economy & trade, culture, education, heath and human resources development. The all-round development of bilateral cooperation has promoted progress of economic and social undertakings in the two countries and won welcome from both peoples.

Wen pointed out that both sides are developing nations and to safeguard steady development of bilateral relations conforms to the fundamental interest of both countries and their people. China cherishes bilateral friendship and would like to make joint efforts with Lesotho to establish friendly cooperative relations of facing the future, long-term stability, equality and mutual benefits. To this end, the Chinese government will take the following measures. First, to actively push for high-level exchanges between both sides and further build up mutual understanding and friendship. Second, to offer assistance to Lesotho within China's available resources and support Lesotho's economic and social development. Third, to expand investment in Lesotho and encourage Chinese businesses to set up factories there in the principle of equality and mutual benefits. It is hoped that the government of Lesotho will provide facilitation for Chinese enterprises to conduct business in Lesotho. Fourth, to strengthen cooperation with Lesotho in the areas of agriculture and human resources development. Fifth, to agree to list Lesotho as a tourist destination country for Chinese citizens going abroad and actively conduct tourist cooperation.

Mosisili agreed with Wen's comments on bilateral relations and proposals on furthering bilateral cooperation. He thanked for China's political support and disinterested economic assistance. He said that China's economic and social development has offered precious experience for African countries, as well as important conditions for both sides to comprehensively strengthen cooperation in the areas of economy & trade, textile, science & technology and education. He reaffirmed that the government of Lesotho will continue resolutely adopting the one-China policy and supporting China's grand cause of peaceful reunification.

Following the talks, Wen and Mosisili jointly attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on economic and technological cooperation between both governments and other agreements.

Prior to the talks, Premier Wen held a welcoming ceremony for Mosisili' visit to China in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-government League Li Minkuan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Labor and Social Security Tian Chengping and other officials attended the welcoming ceremony.