China, Tanzania to strengthen ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) holds talks with his Tanzanian counterpart Bernard Kamillius Membe in Beijing, capital of China, Feb 25, 2014. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

China and Tanzania on Tuesday agreed to push forward their relationship as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Tanzanian counterpart Bernard Kamillius Membe in Beijing, noting the profound friendship, mutual respect, trust and support between the two countries.

China is willing to work with Tanzania to celebrate this year and take the opportunity to enhance high-level exchanges, practical cooperation, consultation on international affairs and advance win-win bilateral ties, Wang said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tanzania in 2013 and delivered a speech, which is significant in guiding China's relationship with Tanzania and Africa in the new era, said the foreign minister.

He called on China and Africa to work together to support mechanism building for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

China is a sincere friend of developing countries and has done much for African nations including Tanzania, Membe said, describing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center as symbols of friendship with China.

Tanzania is proud to have a "big brother" like China and hopes to further cooperation with China. Tanzania supports the FOCAC to contribute more to peace in Africa, Membe said.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Membe is paying an official visit to China from Feb 24 to 28 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.