Uganda pledges to work with China on regional peace

KAMPALA - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Tuesday that his country is willing to work with China to promote regional peace and stability and to build a harmonious world.

In a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie, Museveni said China has made important contributions to the independence and economic development of many African nations including Uganda.

He said Uganda and China have enjoyed long-term friendship and have seen frequent high-level exchanges since the establishment of diplomatic ties, adding that many Chinese leaders including President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have already visited Uganda.

The two countries have very good cooperation in a series of multilateral platforms including the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, and the fast-growing trade cooperation also has huge potential, said the president, adding that he encouraged more Chinese enterprises to invest in his country.

Museveni said Uganda will unswervingly stick to the one-China policy. He also hailed Liang's visit. The first trip to Uganda by a Chinese defense minister would promote the friendly ties between the two countries and their armed forces, he said.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, said leaders of the two countries have maintained close contacts and the two sides have respected each other and treated each other as equals since the two sides forged diplomatic ties in 1962.

China appreciates Uganda's firm adherence to the one-China policy and its consistent support to China on issues concerning China's core interests, said Liang.

Later in the day, Uganda's Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi also met the visiting Chinese delegation.