Promote friendly coooperation with central and eastern European countries

President Hu's official visits to Slovakia and Croatia have underlined the importance that China has attached to developing its relations with Central and Eastern European countries, and the concept that all countries, big or small, should be equal, said Yang.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic for talks in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia June 18, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)

China has enjoyed a high level of political mutual trust, good economic cooperation and traditional friendship with Slovakia and Croatia, which helps to further deepen the friendly cooperation between the two sides, Yang added.

During the visit to Slovakia, President Hu met with Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic, Prime Minister Robert Fico and Parliament Speaker Pavol Paska.

The leaders agreed to take advantage of the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties to consolidate their traditional friendship, enrich their cooperation, and push forward the friendly ties in a sustainable, stable and healthy way, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Enterprises from both countries have also signed many cooperation agreements, Yang said.

During his visit to Croatia, President Hu has met with Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic.

At the meeting with President Mesic, Hu expressed willingness to increase mutual trust, deepen cooperation, cement friendship, and promote the comprehensive partnership of cooperative with Croatia.

Both sides have also reached agreements on cooperation in trade, commerce, civil aviation and public health.

President Hu also exchanged views with the leaders of the two Central and Eastern European countries on other important issues, such as the international financial crisis, and the situation in Central and Eastern Europe, said Yang.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2009)