Chinese, Croatian leaders hold talks on bilateral ties
- Source: Xinhua
- [09:40 June 21 2009]
- Comments
Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) shakes hands with his Croatian counterpart Stjepan Mesic during their meeting in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, June 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Croatian counterpart Stjepan Mesic Saturday in Zagreb and they exchanged views on bilateral relations.
Speaking highly of the longstanding friendship between the two countries, Hu noted in particular the smooth growth of bilateral relations since Croatia gained independence 17 years ago.
The Chinese side is willing to consolidate the traditional friendship, enhance pragmatic cooperation, expand humanistic exchanges, and strive to push the China-Croatia comprehensive partnership of cooperation to a higher level, Hu said.
The Sino-Croatian relationship can be a model for countries with different cultures and social systems to respect each other, co-exist in harmony and conduct win-win cooperation, said President Hu.
He said China treasures the bilateral traditional friendship, gives priority to developing its relations with Croatia and take Croatia as its trustworthy friend and partner in Southeast Europe.
Noting that the two countries are both at a crucial moment for development, Hu said they should, on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, seize the opportunity and join efforts to push their partnership to a higher level and expand cooperation areas.
In this regard, the Chinese president made a four-point proposal for the further development of bilateral ties.
Firstly, friendly exchanges should be consolidated and bilateral mutual political trust be enhanced, Hu said.
China and Croatia should maintain high-level contacts, expand dialogues and exchanges between the two governments, legislative bodies and political parties, understand and support each other's major concerns so as to cement the political foundation of bilateral relations.