Zhu spoke highly of the talks between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Kostunica, and their signing of a joint statement. He believes that Kostunica's visit will have a significant impact on Sino-Yugoslav relations.
Zhu said that China attaches importance to its relations with Yugoslavia, supports the efforts of Yugoslavia to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expressed the hope to abide by the principles set in the joint statement.
He said that China and Yugoslavia have more room for trade and economic cooperation.
The governmental institutions will strengthen contact and the sub-committee on economy and trade between the two countries will play its role in promoting bilateral cooperation.
He encouraged the enterprises of the two countries to cooperate in the high-tech industry.
Kostunica said that Yugoslavia and China have enjoyed a traditional friendship and fruitful cooperation, and he believes that his visit will improve the relations between the two countries.
He expressed gratitude for China's support of Yugoslavia in the economic and political fields, and congratulated China on its entry to the World Trade Organization.
(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2002)