China and Sweden will continue seeking ways to broaden cooperation and strengthen exchanges in a variety of areas.

In a visit with Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi on Monday, King Carl Gustaf said that he is impressed by the rapid development of China’s economy.

Swedish enterprises are very enthusiastic about working with their Chinese counterparts and hope to broaden their exchanges in economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education, and tourism, he said.

Wu noted that relations between the two countries have been developing steadily since formal ties were established more than 50 years ago.

As understanding has deepened, she said, bilateral cooperation and exchanges in economy, trade and other sectors have borne fruit.

Wu thanked the king and the royal family for their contribution to the development of Sino-Swedish relations.

In a separate meeting with Wu on Monday, Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson said the Swedish government considers its ties with China very important, and hopes both to broaden and deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Sweden will adhere to the one-China policy, Persson said. 

Wu stated that China and Sweden have the same or similar opinions on many major international issues and have maintained positive consultation and coordination in numerous bilateral and multilateral affairs.

Wu arrived in Stockholm on September 25 for a four-day visit to Sweden, which also includes a stop in Gothenburg, the second largest city in the country.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2004)