During talks with Vladimir Voronin, president of Moldova, who is on a state visit to China, Jiang said the on-going inspections by two United Nations agencies have produced positive results recently and should continue.

"This is also the aspiration of most members of the international community," Jiang added.

Voronin said Moldova appreciates and supports China's principles in handling international relations. He said Moldova insists that the Iraq issue should be resolved peacefully through negotiations, and that the United Nations inspections should continue.

This is Voronin's first visit to China as president of Moldova. The two presidents last met in 2001 when Jiang visited Moldova.

During the talks, Jiang said China and Moldova have become "good friends and good partners" over the years with their increasing exchanges and cooperation in the areas of economics, science and technology, culture, education, health and the military.

China appreciates the Moldovan government's firm support on the issue of Taiwan, Jiang said. China will continue to respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova as well as its efforts for unification.

Voronin said he admires the achievements China has made since it began the process of reform and opening up to the outside world, and would like to learn from China's experience. He also thanked China for its support and assistance to Moldova.

Moldova hopes to expand cooperation with China in the areas of agriculture, culture, the establishment of a free trade zone, educational exchanges and traditional Chinese medicine.

Voronin stressed that Moldova will uphold the one-China policy and support China's reunification cause. Moldova believes China will play a more important role in maintaining world peace and stability.

Following the talks, the two presidents signed a joint communiqué and witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2003)