Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday said he was confident that the December ministerial-level conference of the China-Africa Forum on Co-operation will push ahead the partnership of long-term stability, equality and reciprocity.

Wen made the remarks during his meeting with Niger's Prime Minister Hama Amadou.

The meeting to be held in Ethiopia, following a similar one held in Beijing in 2000, will discuss new ways to strengthen Sino-African co-operation in human resources development, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment.

China pledged during the 2000 forum that it would remit 10 billion yuan (US$1.2 billion) of debts owed to it by some of the most debt-ridden African countries over a two-year period, believing that heavy debts are one of the factors bottlenecking the economic development of African countries.

The Chinese Government has all along attached great importance to co-operation with Africa, said Wen, noting that such co-operation has been increasing in recent years.

According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wen promised during yesterday's meeting that China will provide 50 million yuan (US$6 million) in assistance to Niger.

He also said that the Chinese Government will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in the African country and engage in trade and economic co-operation with it.

Hama was quoted as saying that his country and people regard China as a true friend and are grateful for the "selfless assistance with no political conditions affiliated.''

Hama praised China's firm and just position in international affairs. He also reaffirmed his country's support of China's reunification.

Wen, expressing his satisfaction over the development of bilateral ties with Niger, said that China is willing to work with the Niger Government to enhance understanding and expand co-operation.

Hama arrived in Beijing yesterday to start his five-day working visit to China. He will also visit East China's commercial hub Shanghai and South China's special economic zone Shenzhen.

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