Chinese vice-foreign minister holds talks in Rabat

Chinese vice-foreign minister, Ji Pedin, who started on Monday a visit to Morocco, held separate talks in Rabat with several members of the cabinet, including Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

Talks focused on China's initiative to host a China-Africa forum to enhance economic and commercial cooperation between the two sides and uphold the common interests of underdeveloped countries in the new world order.

Youssoufi voiced Morocco's readiness to contribute to the success of the forum and expressed hope that the event will be marked by concrete actions likely to enable African countries settle their economic, financial and social problems in partnership with other countries.

The forum, to be held in 4 or 5 months, was at the center of talks the Chinese official held with Minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, and secretary of state for foreign affairs, Taieb Fassi Fihri.

Talks also touched on bilateral relations and on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

After Morocco, the Chinese official will visit five other African countries.