The newly signed joint statement between China and Yugoslavia sets the direction and enriches the content of the cooperative relations between the two countries, Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said Thursday.
During his meeting with visiting Yugoslavian President Vojislav Kostunica, Li said both countries and their people have a strong friendship.
China thanks Yugoslavia for its adherence to the one China principle, respects Yugoslavia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and appreciates the efforts of the Yugoslavian government to realize national stability, reconciliation and economic recovery.
Li said the NPC supports the Chinese government in promoting the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Yugoslavia and is ready to strengthen exchanges with the parliament of Yugoslavia. He expressed the belief that inter-parliamentary exchanges will help boost the overall development of relations between the two countries.
Kostunica said he had friendly and fruitful talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin Wednesday. The joint statement he signed with Jiang is an important document guiding the development of bilateral relations.
He said Yugoslavia will continue to expand exchanges and cooperation with China under the guidance of the joint statement, including strengthening exchanges between parliaments of the two countries.
(Xinhua News Agency Janaury 11, 2002)
