China, Libya vow to cooperate in Libyan reconstruction

China and Libya on Monday vowed to boost cooperation concerning Libya's reconstruction.

The pledge came out of a meeting between Vice President Xi Jinping and visiting Libyan Foreign Minister Ashour Ben Khayil at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

"China will encourage its companies to participate in Libya's reconstruction," said Xi, adding that political and economic reconstruction in Libya has entered a crucial period.

He spoke highly of the progress made by the Libyan interim government in maintaining the country's stability, resuming economic development and promoting national reconciliation.

He said the Chinese side sincerely hopes that Libya will achieve long-term stability and prosperity.

Khayil said Libya appreciates China's "fair and responsible" stance concerning Libya.

He said Libya attaches high importance to its relations with China and welcomes China to join in Libya's reconstruction.

Xi said China-Libya relations have withstood the test of global change, adding that developing reciprocal cooperation conforms with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is conducive to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.

China is ready to join hands with Libya to beef up exchanges and promote friendly cooperation, the vice president said.

Khayil said Libya will make common efforts with China to push forward reciprocal cooperation in all fields.

Prior to the meeting, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held a talk with Khayil on Monday morning.

Yang hailed the smooth transition of bilateral ties between the two nations since the establishment of the new Libyan regime.

"The Chinese side respects the Libyan people's choice of their own political system and development path in accordance with Libya's own national conditions. China supports Libya's efforts for economic and social reconstruction," Yang said.

Yang said the Chinese side is willing to work together with the Libyan side to enhance political trust, expand pragmatic cooperation, increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges and strengthen coordination in international affairs.

Khayil thanked the Chinese side for its support for the new regime, adding that the Libyan side attaches great importance to its ties with China.

The Libyan side is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to promote cooperation between the two nations in a sustained way, Khayil said.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged their views on regional and international issues of common concern.

Khayil is visiting China from June 9 to 13 at the invitation of Yang. The visit is his first since the interim cabinet took office last November.