Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said he hopes to promote the friendly relations between his country and China. 

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua before his departure on Thursday for a visit to China, Sanader said he expects his talks with Chinese leaders on bilateral relations and international issues will strengthen the relations between the two countries and promote their economic and trade cooperation.

The prime minister said Croatia and China have always maintained a friendly relationship and there is no unresolved problem between them.

The two countries have so far signed agreements on all important fields of bilateral relations, which serve as framework for the smooth development of the mutually beneficial cooperation between them, he said.

He said Croatia attaches great importance to ties with China and will keep on the political dialogues between top leaders of the two countries so as to implement the signed agreements and expand cooperation.

Sanader will take with him about 20 Croatian entrepreneurs, from oil, steel, banking and food sectors.

On bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the prime minister said there is still a great potential in the field and his government will make efforts to promote Croatian exports to China.

He also made it clear that his country hopes Chinese enterprises will increase their investment in Croatia and take Croatia as a bridgehead for Chinese capital and goods to other European markets.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2005)