Li Zhaoxing said the new Chinese government will maintain continuity in its foreign policy and stands ready to make concerted efforts with Serbia and Montenegro to expand cooperation in various fields and to promote the advancement of bilateral relations.

China appreciates Serbia and Montenegro's adherence to the one-China principle and its support for China's great cause of reunification, he said.

Noting that China and Serbia and Montenegro enjoy a profound traditional friendship, Li said the two sides respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and promote the development of bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Svilanovic expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for its aid to the former Yugoslavia at its most difficult time and for its support for the territorial integrity of Serbia and Montenegro with respect to the Kosovo issue.

Svilanovic reiterated his country's adherence to the one-China policy and said that Serbia and Montenegro values China's international status and role and is willing to promote cooperation between the two sides in political, economic and other fields.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2003)