国内英语新闻:China, Cameroon discuss lifting bilateral relationship to new high

YAOUNDE, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Wednesday discussed with Cameroonian President Paul Biya the ways to lift the two country's bilateral relationship to a new height in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon.

"As developing countries, it is in the fundamental interests of China and Cameroon to seek bilateral friendly cooperation," Jia told Biya in their hour-long talks at the Presidential Palace Wednesday noon.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was making a three-day official visit to the central African nation.

Jia Qinglin (L), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), receives a medal from Cameroonian President Paul Biya after their meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 24, 2010

Jia and Biya reviewed the progress of bilateral relationship since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1971, particularly the significant improvement after the China-African Cooperation Summit in 2006.

To further China-Cameroon relationship, Jia proposed the joint efforts in cementing political foundation, widening economic cooperation, deepening people-to-people exchange and increase coordination on international issues.

Biya echoed Jia's proposal, saying his country would like to work more closely with China in those fields.

Jia thanked Biya and his government for their efforts to free the Chinese sailors kidnapped in Cameroon early March.

On broader China-Africa relationship, Jia said China was committed to implementing the new eight measures introduced by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last November in Egypt, which also include debt cancellation, agriculture production, infrastructure, education.

"China would like to listen to the suggestions of Cameroon and other African countries on carrying out those measures in a bid to generate more benefits for African people at an early time," Jia said.

Biya said Africa-China cooperation was characterized by equity, mutual benefit and common development, which had brought substantial benefits to African nations.

The president said his country would support China's policy and initiative on Africa.

After their meeting, Jia and Biya witnessed the signing of a number of cooperative deals between the two countries.

Earlier Wednesday, Jia visited a multifunctional stadium in downtown Yaounde which was financed by China.

At the landmark stadium, the largest of its kind in central Africa, Jia watched local people play table tennis and stage the performance of Chinese kungfu.

Jia, who arrived in the capital of Cameroon on Tuesday afternoon, held talks with President of National Assembly of Cameroon Cavaye Djibril and delivered a key-note speech on China- Africa relationship.

Jia will leave for Namibia on Thursday to continue his 10-day African tour.