Colombian president reiterates one-China policy
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe reiterated here Monday that his government will continue to resolutely uphold the one-China policy.

Uribe reiterated the pledge while meeting with China's top national advisor Jia Qinglin at the presidential palace.

During their meeting, Uribe told Jia that high-level contacts between Colombia and China in recent years have further promoted development of the bilateral relations.

Uribe hoped that the two sides will make joint efforts to implement the important common understanding reached between him and his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, during his visit to Beijing in April this year.

Colombia is willing to take concrete measures to promote bilateral cooperation in the economic and trade areas, he said.

There exists great potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, textiles and household electrical appliances, Uribe said, noting Colombia welcomes investment and cooperation from Chinese enterprises.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), noted that 2005 is a very important year for the development of Sino-Colombian relations.

The two countries jointly celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in February, Jia said.

In April, presidents of the two countries reached important common understanding in Beijing on strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation, laying a new foundation for the further development of the bilateral relations.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Colombia, Jia said, adding that it is in the common interests of the two peoples to accelerate the implementation of the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries.

China is willing to work with Colombia to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in different forms and areas to achieve a win-win outcome and common development,

China appreciates Colombia's adherence to the one-China policy, Jia said, hoping that Colombia will continue to support China's reunification cause.

The two also exchanged views on other issues of common concern during their meeting.

After concluding his visit to Cuba, Jia arrived here Sunday for a four-day official goodwill visit at the invitation of Colombian Congress President Luis Gomez.

Jia was greeted by Luis Gomez, Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Wu Changshen and other embassy staff at the airport.

The CPPCC is China's top advisory body, consisting of representatives of the Communist Party of China and non-Communist parties, personages without party affiliation, and representatives of people's organizations, national minorities and all social strata.

The main functions of the CPPCC are to conduct political consultation, exercise democratic supervision and participate in the discussion and handling of state affairs.