BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said here Tuesday that China appreciated "the unremitting efforts" Sudan has made on the Darfur issue and hoped the country would continue efforts to achieve progress.

    Xi made the remark during his talk with visiting Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha.

    "China will join hands with the international community to promote the early resolution of the issue," said Xi.

    He applauded the cooperation between China and Sudan since the two countries established diplomatic relations nearly five decades ago and expressed the willingness of China to work with Sudan to push forward bilateral cooperation in various fields including agriculture.

    Xi spoke positively of the efforts from the north and south sides of Sudan to implement the comprehensive peace agreement over the past three years, expressing the hope that the two sides could resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation and continue to push forward the peace process. 
 

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcome ceremony for visiting Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha (C) in Beijing, capital of China, June 10, 2008.(Xinhua/Liu Weibing) 
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    Xi also expressed his appreciation of Sudan's support and donations that followed the May 12 earthquake that struck China's Sichuan Province.

    China is focusing on disaster relief as it works to maintain national social and economic development, Xi told Taha.

    Xi also briefed Taha on China's preparations for the Olympics in August, saying that China is confident of holding a successful Olympic Games this summer.

    Taha said Sudan is willing to work with China to advance bilateral cooperation in various fields.

    He also reiterated that Sudan would continue to adhere to the one-China policy and highly appreciated China's preparations for the Olympic Games.

    Taha expressed gratitude for China's active efforts made for the resolution of the Darfur issue, saying Sudan's government would continue its efforts to address the issue through negotiation.

    After the talks, the two leaders witnessed a signing ceremony for eight bilateral agreements covering such fields as economic and technological cooperation, finance, agriculture and public health.

    At Xi's invitation, Taha arrived in Beijing on Monday to start his third China trip. He visited China in March 1996 and March 2001.