Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Monday morning that relations between China and Croatia have developed smoothly nine years after the two nations forged diplomatic ties.
Zhu made the remarks during his meeting with Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula, who was on an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan.
Zhu said China attached importance to its ties with Croatia, respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Croatia and the development path chosen by the Croatian people, and understood and supported the efforts made by Croatia in achieving European integrity.
The Chinese government appreciates the principled stand adopted by the Croatian government on adhering to the one-China policy, Zhu said.
Picula expressed his admiration for China's achievements made in reform and opening-up. He told Zhu that Croatia and highly praised China's role in international affairs and will continue its one-China policy.
He described the relationship between Croatia and China as an example for other small and big countries and hoped such a relationship could see new development in all fields in the new century.
(Xinhua 03/19/2001)
