China and Benin Issue a Joint Communiqué, August 29, 2006

For other joint communiqués, click here.

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin, led an important delegation to the People's Republic of China for a state visit from August 27, 2006.

During the visit, President Hu Jintao held talks and Premier Wen Jiabao met with President Yayi. The leaders of the two countries exchanged in-depth views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common concern and reached wide consensus.

First, both sides are satisfied with the development of China-Benin relations over the years, believe that the bilateral relations have entered into a new development stage and the bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation faces numerous development opportunities and unanimously agree to further strengthen the bilateral high-level contacts, enhance political mutual trust, expand cooperation in various fields and promote the all-round and in-depth development of bilateral ties.

Second, both sides promise to continue supporting each other on the issues concerning their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Benin reiterates adherence to the one-China policy and recognizes that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China including Taiwan. Benin opposes "Taiwan independence" in whatever form and Taiwan's accession to any international and regional organization only for sovereign states and refrains from any official contacts with Taiwan. China highly appreciates such position of Benin.

Third, both sides are willing to further deepen the bilateral economic and trade cooperation to realize common development. China will encourage more competitive and reputable Chinese businesses to make investment and do business in Benin and expects to work with Benin to actively explore the new ways of expanding economic cooperation, with emphasis on strengthening the cooperation on agriculture, infrastructure, health and telecommunications. Both sides also agree to strengthen the local and business cooperation and inject new dynamism into the bilateral economic and trade cooperation constantly. China will continue to provide Benin with assistance within its own capacity.

Fourth, both sides are willing to expand the exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture, education and health, increase the contacts between localities, social organizations and civil society of the two countries and build up the traditional friendship between the two peoples.

Fifth, both sides decide to keep communications and collaboration in such international organizations as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, coordinate positions on the major issues including development and poverty alleviation, regional conflicts, reform of the United Nations and the development of multilateral trade rules and jointly protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing nations.

Sixth, both sides speak highly of the friendly and cooperative relations between China and Africa and expect to strengthen coordination and make joint efforts to ensure the complete success of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to be held in November 2006. President Yayi confirms that he will attend the summit at the invitation of President Hu Jintao, and President Hu Jintao indicates that he is looking forward to meeting with President Yayi again during the summit.

Seventh, both sides signed a number of culture, economic and technological cooperation agreements during the visit of President Yayi to China. They are satisfied with the results of the visit. President Yayi appreciates the warm and friendly reception of the Chinese side to his delegation and himself. He invites President Hu Jintao to pay an official visit to Benin. President Hu Jintao accepts the invitation with pleasure.

Other Joint Communiqués:

China-Japan | China-Russian | China-Sri Lanka | China-India-Russia | China-Mozambique | China-South Africa | China-Zambia | China-Japan-Korea | China-Benin | China-Montenegro | China-Uganda | China-Republic of Congo | China-Ghana | China-Georgia | China-Greece | China-Pakistan | China-Malaysia | China-Kazakhstan | China-Samoa | China-Portugal | China-E.U. | China-Vietnam | China-Armenia | China-Brunei Darussalam | China-Albania | China-Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) | China-Fiji Islands | China-Papua New Guinea | China-Moldova | China-Iran | China-Oman | China-United Kingdom |