Zhu made the remarks in Beijing on Thursday during talks with Maltese Prime Minister Edward Fenech Adami who arrived on Wednesday on an official visit as Zhu's guest.

Zhu voiced his appreciation for Adami's efforts in promoting bilateral relations.

In the past 30 years of diplomatic ties, China and Malta, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity, had always treated each other sincerely, cooperated closely and trusted each other, he said.

China highly appreciated Maltese understanding and support on such issues as Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, Zhu stressed.

China likewise had supported Malta's positive efforts to develop its national economy and safeguard regional and world peace and stability.

He pointed out that bilateral relations had withstood the test of time and could be cited as an example of friendship between countries of different sizes and social systems.

He highlighted the exchange of visits between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Maltese President Guido de Marco, which greatly boosted bilateral relations.

Frequent high-level visits between the two countries in the past few years, and bilateral cooperation in such fields as economics, trade, culture, and science and technology had achieved much, he said. Quoting Chinese statistics, Zhu said bilateral trade last year reached 150 million US dollars, an increase of 60 percent over the year before, and the figure for the first eight months of this year had reached 186 million US dollars.

Noting that trade was growing more balanced, Zhu said China attached importance to the development of trade and economic ties and was actively expanding bilateral cooperation.

Expressing satisfaction with the results of cooperation in culture, science, technology and education, Zhu said a Chinese cultural center to be set up in Malta would further enhance understanding and friendship.

He noted that scientific, technological and educational cooperation was advancing steadily with more Chinese students studying in Malta.

He said he was sure the agreements to be signed between the two countries would further bilateral scientific, technological and educational cooperation.

Adami said this was his third visit to China. He had followed progress in bilateral relations in recent years, adding he had seen great progress in China during this visit.

Bilateral ties in the past 30 years had proved fruitful with remarkable results from cooperation in various fields, he said.

He reiterated Malta's support for the one-China policy and said he expected closer trade and economic relations with China.

The two leaders also discussed international issues of common concern.

Zhu and Adami later attended a signing ceremony for agreements between the two governments on bilateral scientific and technological cooperation and educational cooperation.

Before the talks, Zhu presided over a welcoming ceremony for Adami.

(People's Daily November 1, 2002)