TimorNewsNetwork

Chinese PM pledges aid to East Timor

18:58, October 16, 2009  

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Timor Leste's Prime Minister Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao (L) in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Oct. 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

China will continue its afford able aid to East Timor and encourage domestic companies to invest in the Southeast Asian state, Premier Wen Jiabao said in Chengdu Friday. 

Wen hailed the development of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2002, voiced supports to the country's peace, stability and development during a meeting with his East Timor counterpart Xanana Gusmao. 

The two countries could speed up cooperation in trade, agriculture and natural resources, he said during the meeting held on the sideline of an international trade and investment fair that opened in southwest China's Sichuan Province. 

Xanana Gusmao appreciated China's supports to his country's independence, social and economic development. 

"The China-funded infrastructures and the Chinese medical team in East Timor have become an icon of our friendship," he said. 

East Timor will enhance exchange and cooperation with China to relieve poverty and jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries, he noted. 

China was the first country to establish diplomatic ties with East Timor since it became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century in 2002.

Source: http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90783/91300/6785782.html