VISIT OF THE VICE PREMIER OF THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The Prime Minister today received a delegation led by the Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Mr Li Lanqing.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Policy Lawrence Gonzi, Minister of Finance John Dalli, Minister for Economic Services Josef Bonnici and Minister of Foreign Affairs Joe Borg.

The Chinese delegation included Vice Minister Yang Jiechi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister Zhang Youcai from the Ministry of Finance and Vice Minister Long Yongtu from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation.

Today's meeting focused on bilateral matters and on regional and international issues of common interest. Both sides discussed ways of further improving relations that have been, since their establishment in 1972, characterised by close friendship and which have enjoyed a high level of collaboration and co-operation.

Following the meeting the two sides signed an Exchange of Letters whereby the Government of the People's Republic of China gave Malta a grant of Lm 150,000 to be spent on projects to be agreed by both Governments. This is the third grant of this type given to Malta over the past few years.

The Exchange of Letters was signed by the Minister for Economic Services Josef Bonnici and Vice Minister Long Yongtu from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation.