BEIJING, October 9 -- Yu Hongjun, vice minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met with Hon. Teariki Heather, MP of the Cook Islands Party and Minister of Infrastructure and Planning of the Cook Islands in Beijing on October 9th.

Yu said, since China and Cook Islands established diplomatic ties in 1997, the relationship of the two countries has been developing soundly and steadily. China values its friendship with Cook Islands, and the CPC is willing to carry out exchanges with the Cook Islands Party to promote the state-to-state relations. China actively supports the efforts of the Cook Islands on developing economy and improving people's welfare. Yu wished that Mr. Heather's visit would facilitate the water supply project co-sponsored by China, the Cook Islands and New Zealand, so as to benefit the Cook Islands people at an early date.

Mr. Heather said, the Cook Islands highly values its relations with China and appreciates China's aid of different forms over the years. The Cook Islands is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various areas, thus to promote in-depth development of bilateral relations.

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