--Envoy Stresses One China Policy

An existing bilateral relationship between Liberia and the Peoples' Republic of China would be further enhanced in the spirit of mutual cooperation as the country's new Ambassador begins series of firsthand acquaintance meetings with key government officials and the civil society organizations.

Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao of the Peoples' Republic of China to Liberia detailed series of areas of mutual cooperation between China and Liberia which include bilateral cooperation, education, health, agriculture, among others.

During an acquaintance visit at the offices of the Liberia Media and Marketing Services, Publisher of the NEWS Newspaper, Ambassador Zhou said the government and people of China have explicit confidence in the government and people of Liberia especially where mutual cooperation can be achieved and sustained.

"China wants to be known in Liberia. China is a friend to Liberia, and this cannot be overemphasized in a stronger term. China wants a cooperation that would enhance mutual benefits for the two countries and peoples in major areas of reconstruction and development," Ambassador Zhou envisaged.

Ambassador Zhou, who replaces Lin Songtian, reaffirmed his government's unflinching commitment and confidence in Liberia, noting that his government and the Liberian government would interface in many areas as his predecessor had being undertaking during his tenure.

Ambassador Zhou continues: "China and Liberia have a two-way traffic; that is mutual cooperation, benefit and upholding the One China Policy in the existing bilateral relationship."

The Chinese envoy also spoke highly of the Liberian media which, he indicated, is a vital tool in the smooth operation and dissemination of information both about Liberia and China, adding that the media plays a very important role in society.

The Chinese diplomat who arrived in Liberia a little over four months ago said though journalists and diplomats are somehow different in functions, but they collaborate in many areas of information sharing and dissemination.

Speaking earlier in his welcome statement, the Editor-In-Chief of the NEWS Newspaper Sheriff Z. Adams spoke about the contributions of China in the post-war recovery of Liberia especially in areas of road reconstruction, agriculture, manpower training, and health, among others.

Mr. Adams, a beneficiary of the Chinese capacity-building in manpower resources, informed the Chinese envoy of the enormous problems facing the media and urged the ambassador to assist the media in the areas of training and capacity-building.

"We know what the Chinese government and people have done and continue to do in Liberia; I admonish you and your government not to relent in the development process of Liberia," Adams stated.

Mr. Adams, on behalf of the management and staff of the NEWS, extended deepest regrets to the Chinese government and people for the brutal death of a Chinese national at the Monrovia Vocational Training College (MVTC) where she taught mainly ex-combatants in Bamboo weaving.

The Chinese government and people are deeply involved in many spheres of the Liberian society beginning with peacekeeping, road reconstruction, agriculture, health, education and other business activities.

Source: The News