Subject: LUSA: Ramos Horta begins visit to China, economic forum on agenda

16-12-2002 14:15:00. Notícia nº 4455516...

East Timor: Ramos Horta begins visit to China, economic forum on agenda

Beijing, Dec. 16 (Lusa) - Chinese leaders are expected to present visiting East Timorese Foreign Minister José Ramos Horta Monday with a plan to set up an economic forum linking Beijing to Portuguese-speaking countries.

The Chinese plan, unveiled last week, foresees headquartering the forum in Macau, a territory formerly administered by Portugal, and holding a first meeting in September.

Paying his first official visit to China, Ramos Horta was to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Tang Jiaxuan, in Beijing Monday and with Prime Minister Zhu Rongji in Shanghai Tuesday.

Ramos Horta described Chinese aid to East Timor since 2000 as "friendly and generous".

Among other cooperation, Beijing has provided Dili with some euros 16 million in development aid and has participated in the UN peacekeeping force.

GG/SAS -Lusa-

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