Zhu expressed his appreciation for Voronin's contribution to promoting friendly relations between China and Moldova.

Zhu said China attached great importance to friendly ties with Moldova, adding that Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to Moldova in 2001 had set the course for their development.

A Sino-Moldovan joint communiqué was signed following the talks held between Jiang and Voronin Monday.

Zhu said China would actively act on the consensus reached between the two nation's heads and continue to build Sino-Moldovan trade and economic cooperation based on the spirit of the communiqué.

Zhu expressed his wish that the two nations strengthen economic information exchanges and create a more favorable environment for Chinese and Moldovan enterprises to build closer links for their mutual benefit.

Zhu appreciated Moldova's adherence to its one-China policy and its firm support for China's reunification. He believed Sino-Moldovan relations would continue to develop.

Voronin said he was delighted to meet Zhu.

He said the facts have proved that every meeting between the two nations' leaders promoted bilateral ties.

Voronin spoke highly of the friendship between Moldova and China.

He said Moldova regarded China a friendly strategic partner and attached much importance to learning from China's successful experience in economic and social development.

Moldova hoped to further cooperation with China in the political, economic and social fields, Voronin said.

Voronin expressed the wish that the two governments and enterprises would strengthen their exchanges and enhance mutual understanding to further trade and economic cooperation.

Voronin said Moldova also hoped to obtain China's help in the fields of environmental protection, agriculture, and establishing special economic zones, adding that Chinese experts and entrepreneurs could advise on and even take part in Moldova's economic development.

Voronin believed trade and economic relations would improve greatly with the joint efforts of the two nations.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2003)