Chinese Prime Minister Jiabao arrives
Jun 23, 2006
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was late on Friday afternoon scheduled to arrive for a two-day visit, State House said on Thursday.
By Henry Mukasa
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was late on Friday afternoon scheduled to arrive for a two-day visit, State House said on Thursday.
Jiabao, who was expected to be received by President Yoweri Museveni, would be accompanied by a large delegation that includes eight ministers.
Sources said the Prime Minister will hold talks with Museveni, sign documents on various areas of bilateral cooperation and attend a state banquet hosted by Museveni. Both leaders will then watch a cultural performance given by the Chinese National Ensemble and Ndere Troope.
According to sources, Jiabao will today visit IDI (the Institute of Infectious Diseases) at Mulago Hospital, donate computers and announce a grant to the hospital.
Jiabao will return to the Sheraton Kampala Hotel and meet with his Ugandan counterpart, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi and receive embassy staff and representatives of the Chinese community in Uganda.
Nsibambi will see the Premier off at the airport.
Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Fan Guijin said the visit would strengthen cooperation and bilateral ties between the two brotherly nations.
Jiabao’s visit to Uganda is the last of his seven-nation Africa tour, which has also taken him to Egypt, Ghana, Congo, Angola, South Africa and Tanzania.
The tour has been touted by Chinese embassy officials as aimed at bolstering ties and expanding trade with the world’s poorest continent.
While in Cape Town, Jiabao said China wanted to build a “new type of strategic partnership†with Africa.
He announced Beijing’s plan of expanded influence.
“The Chinese government, guided by the principle of sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual benefit and common development, is committed to building a new type of strategic partnership with Africa,†Jiabao told a Sino-South African business forum in Cape Town, AFP reported.
“To accomplish this we will enhance political equality and mutual trust, promote win-win economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and maintain close cooperation,†he said.
Jiabao’s visit — the third high-level Chinese diplomatic trip to Africa in less than six months — follows visits earlier this year by Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and President Hu Jintao.
Wen promised steps to expand economic and trade ties and help Africa by offering zero-tariff treatment for some exports and increased aid and debt relief, while at the same time helping to build infrastructure.
“We take the concerns of some African countries on trade deficit and textiles seriously and are working to address these issues,†said Wen.
China’s economy is among the fastest growing in the world.
Uganda has in the past invited Chinese investors into a variety of sectors.
Ends
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was late on Friday afternoon scheduled to arrive for a two-day visit, State House said on Thursday.
Jiabao, who was expected to be received by President Yoweri Museveni, would be accompanied by a large delegation that includes eight ministers.
Sources said the Prime Minister will hold talks with Museveni, sign documents on various areas of bilateral cooperation and attend a state banquet hosted by Museveni. Both leaders will then watch a cultural performance given by the Chinese National Ensemble and Ndere Troope.
According to sources, Jiabao will today visit IDI (the Institute of Infectious Diseases) at Mulago Hospital, donate computers and announce a grant to the hospital.
Jiabao will return to the Sheraton Kampala Hotel and meet with his Ugandan counterpart, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi and receive embassy staff and representatives of the Chinese community in Uganda.
Nsibambi will see the Premier off at the airport.
Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Fan Guijin said the visit would strengthen cooperation and bilateral ties between the two brotherly nations.
Jiabao’s visit to Uganda is the last of his seven-nation Africa tour, which has also taken him to Egypt, Ghana, Congo, Angola, South Africa and Tanzania.
The tour has been touted by Chinese embassy officials as aimed at bolstering ties and expanding trade with the world’s poorest continent.
While in Cape Town, Jiabao said China wanted to build a “new type of strategic partnership†with Africa.
He announced Beijing’s plan of expanded influence.
“The Chinese government, guided by the principle of sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual benefit and common development, is committed to building a new type of strategic partnership with Africa,†Jiabao told a Sino-South African business forum in Cape Town, AFP reported.
“To accomplish this we will enhance political equality and mutual trust, promote win-win economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and maintain close cooperation,†he said.
Jiabao’s visit — the third high-level Chinese diplomatic trip to Africa in less than six months — follows visits earlier this year by Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and President Hu Jintao.
Wen promised steps to expand economic and trade ties and help Africa by offering zero-tariff treatment for some exports and increased aid and debt relief, while at the same time helping to build infrastructure.
“We take the concerns of some African countries on trade deficit and textiles seriously and are working to address these issues,†said Wen.
China’s economy is among the fastest growing in the world.
Uganda has in the past invited Chinese investors into a variety of sectors.
Ends