Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said here Friday that China's development,
which means an opportunity, instead of threat, to Uganda, is beneficial for
peace and development of Uganda, Africa and the entire world.
He refuted the claim that China's development is a threat to Africa and China
is coveting Africa's resources, saying that the Ugandan people are happy for the
tremendous achievements Chinese people have scored.
He made the remarks when talking with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who arrived
here Friday for a two-day official visit to the east African country.
Museveni thanked China for providing assistance to Uganda in its fighting for
national liberation and giving it help in its national development after it
became an independent nation, saying that Ugandan people will remember the
kindness.
He said Uganda wished to enhance cooperation with China in agriculture,
traffic, telecommunications, mineral development, tourism and infrastructure.
The Chinese premier said that Sino-Ugandan relationship is completely
established on the basis of mutual respect and support.
He said Uganda has rendered precious support for China in China's
safeguarding of sovereignty and territorial integrity and the efforts made by
the Chinese government to realize China's reunification.
The Sino-Ugandan relationship has seen steady development since the two
countries established diplomatic ties in 1962, with close political contacts and
deepening cooperation in various fields.
Wen said the bilateral friendship has remained unchanged despite big changes
in the international situation and each of the two countries.
The Chinese premier said that the two countries have been cordial cooperation
partners and will maintain this partnership in the future, adding that China is
willing to join Uganda in bringing the friendship and cooperation between the
two nations to a new level.
Wen said that China attaches importance to bilateral economic relationship
and trade, pursuing more cooperation in this field in a market pattern that
businesses play a main role, assisted by the government guide.
He said China will continue to take a series of active measures to increase
import from Uganda. China encourages its businesses to invest in Uganda's
agriculture, water conservancy, traffic, telecommunications and infrastructure.
China is willing to help Uganda in education and health, with prevention and
treatment of Malaria and AIDS being part of the help.
Wen said he deeply felt the African people's profound friendship with Chinese
people during his eight-day visit to seven African countries, which started on
June 17, with Uganda being the last stop.
The Chinese people will not forget their African friends, he said, adding
that China, which has developed, will give more support and help to Africa.
The Chinese premier said he and leaders of the seven countries had an cordial
exchange of views and reached significant agreement on enhancing relationship
and developing a new strategic partnership between China and Africa, solidifying
the foundation for the development of China-Africa relationship.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements in a wide range
of fields including economy, trade, agriculture, education, health and
technology.
China will provide anti-malaria medicine for Uganda, build example
agriculture center and countryside school in Uganda, according to the
agreements.
China and Uganda issued a joint communique after the talk.