BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang met with visiting Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete here on Oct 24.

Li spoke highly of the friendship and partnership between China and Tanzania and called on the two countries to further consolidate their traditional friendship, deepen substantial cooperation, and push forward bilateral ties.

Li said China was ready to enhance cooperation with Tanzania in such areas as agriculture, industrial parks and finance.

He encouraged the two countries’ airline companies to set up joint ventures and strengthen regional aviation cooperation. He also hoped Tanzania could support China’s airworthiness standards to be compatible to East Africa’s aviation safety standards.

China, Tanzania and Zambia should work together to make the Tanzania-Zambia railway an example for other African railways, the premier said.

Kikwete hailed the understanding and support the two countries have given each other since the establishment of ties 50 years ago.

He thanked China for its long-term assistance. He said Tanzania was ready to further strengthen the traditional friendship and reciprocal cooperation with China. Tanzania will work with Zambia on the railway and promote Tanzania-China and Africa-China cooperation.

Kikwete is paying a six-day state visit to China. Besides the meeting with the premier, President Xi Jinping held talks with Kikwete on the afternoon of Oct 24. China’s top legislator Zhang Dejiang also met Kikwete.

Premier Li Keqiang met visiting Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct 24.[Photo/Xinhua]