While meeting with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing, Racan praised China's experiences in maintaining political stability and economic development, saying these are valuable for Croatia's future development.

During the meeting, Li said China hopes bilateral relations could be promoted to a higher level on the basis of a joint statement.

He said China and Croatia have become "good partners and good friends," who treat each other equally and enjoy mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Racan said China is now an important stabilizing factor in the world, whose development has great significance to the world.

He suggested that Croatia and China enhance cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, paving the way for the consolidation of political ties between the two countries.

Earlier on Monday, Li held talks with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic. They agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, education, culture, public health and tourism.

Li arrived in Croatia on Saturday for a goodwill visit. He will also visit Slovakia and France and attend the 132nd General Assembly of the Bureau of International Expositions in Monaco on December 2-3.

(People's Daily November 26, 2002)