Chinese FM, Zimbabwean president meet on ties

China will work with Zimbabwe and other African nations to push for greater development in the relations between the Asian country and the continent to benefit the two peoples, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe at the UN headquarters in New York.

He said Mugabe is not only a well-known leader of the national liberation movement in Africa, but also an old friend of the Chinese people.

Chinese-Zimbabwean ties have stood the test of time and the two countries' traditional friendship is full of fresh vigor and vitality, said the Chinese top diplomat.

Mugabe agreed that Africa and China have enjoyed an unbreakable traditional friendship.

China was the most reliable friend of Africa during the continent's national liberation movement decades ago, he said, adding that the Asian country is still the most reliable, cooperative partner when African nations seek better development.

Mugabe said Zimbabwe firmly adheres to its "Look East" policy, as China is the only country in the world that has provided sincere and selfless assistance to Africa and cooperated with the continent on the basis of mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win results.

The president also voiced his belief that cooperation between China and Zimbabwe, as well as other African nations, has bright prospects.