Chinese foreign minister visits Sudan to discuss bilateral relations

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Jan 04, 2004 (AP) — Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing arrived in Khartoum Sunday on a two-day official visit for talks on boosting cooperation and investment.

Li, received at the airport by his Sudanese counterpart, Mustafa Osman Ismail, said his visit comes in the context of “distinguished relations” between the two countries, according to state-run television.

Li and Sudanese officials held a round of talks in which they stressed their “keenness to boost joint cooperation between the two countries in the various domains,” the television reported.

Li said Chinese companies, currently major partners in Sudans petroleum industry, will increase their investments in Sudan.