Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong on Friday met with Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek, who is in Hainan Province attending the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference 2006 from April 21 to 23.

Zeng said the two countries have enjoyed smooth bilateral relations since they established diplomatic ties 14 years ago.

Trade volume between the two countries reached US$300 million in 2005, up nearly 30 percent year-on-year.

Zeng said Sino-Slovenian relations have witnessed fast growth and fruitful cooperation in technology, education, culture and security.

He said he appreciates the Slovenian government's stance on the Taiwan issue.

Zeng briefed Janez Drnovsek on the achievements of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions since their return to the motherland, and on the development of the Tibet Autonomous Region, where the president will go for a visit soon.

Janez Drnovsek said he is glad to see the rapid development of China since his last visit more than a decade ago.

He reiterated that Slovenia adheres to the one-China policy and respects the sovereignty and territory integrity of China.

The "one country, two systems" policy is very successful in Hong Kong and both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong are benefiting from it, he said.

Some 850 Chinese and overseas officials, business people and scholars will attend the three-day event in the coastal scenic town in south China's island province of Hainan.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2006)