Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his Slovenian counterpart, Milan Kucan, exchanged congratulatory messages on Saturday to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Slovenian diplomatic relations which falls on May 12.

Jiang said in his message that the event a decade ago opened a new page in the history of bilateral relations. The development of long-term, stable and all-round relations has proved to be in line with the wishes and interests of the two peoples.

Jiang voiced the hope for further mutual understanding, trust and friendship, calling for joint efforts to promote cooperation and create a bright future for bilateral relations.

Kucan said that China's diplomatic recognition in 1992 of the Republic of Slovenia set relations between the two countries on a course of mutually beneficial cooperation. He said he is sure the friendly relations benefiting peoples of both countries will be strengthened in all aspects.

Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, also exchanged congratulatory messages with Borut Pahor, chairman of the Slovenian National Assembly. They agreed that cooperation between the two parliaments has contributed to the rapid improvement of Sino-Slovenian relations.

In congratulating each other on the anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek both expressed the belief that there is great potential yet to tap in bilateral cooperation in every field.

Zhu said cooperation between China and Slovenia has yielded remarkable results, paving way for further development of bilateral ties.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Slovenian counterpart, Dimitrij Rupel, also exchanged congratulations to mark the occasion.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2002)