China supports Libyan reconstruction

BEIJING - China and Libya on Monday vowed to cooperate in Libya's reconstruction.

The pledge came out of a meeting between Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping and visiting Libyan Foreign Minister Ashour Ben Khayil at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

"China will encourage its companies to participate in Libya's reconstruction," said Xi, noting the political and economic reconstruction in Libya has entered a crucial period.

He spoke highly of the progress made by the Libyan interim government in maintaining the country's stability, resuming economic development, and promoting national reconciliation.

He said the Chinese side sincerely hopes that Libya will achieve long-term stability and prosperity.

Khayil said Libya appreciates China's "fair and responsible" stance concerning Libya.

He said Libya attaches high importance to its relations with China and welcomes China to join in Libya's reconstruction.

Xi said the China-Libya relations has withstood the test of global change as it is based on the five principles of peaceful co-existence. Developing reciprocal cooperation conforms with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is conducive to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.

China is ready to join hands with Libya to beef up exchanges and promote friendly cooperation in the new age, the vice president said.

Khayil said Libya will make common efforts with China to push forward reciprocal cooperation in all fields.

Prior to the meeting, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held a talk with Khayil on Monday morning.

Khayil is visiting China from June 9 to 13 at the invitation of Yang. The visit is his first since the interim cabinet took office last November.