Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Monday that China is satisfied with its relations with Malta and pledged to further develop ties with this Mediterranean country.
Jiang made the remarks at a meeting with his host, President of Malta Guido De Marco.
According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, the Chinese president suggested that Sino-Maltese relations could serve as a model for bilateral ties between countries different in size and in social system.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Malta have all along treated each other equally and with respect, said Jiang.
He noted that Malta has supported China in major issues concerning China's national sovereignty and interests, calling the country a trustworthy friend, which supports Malta in international affairs.
De Marco echoed Jiang's assessment, saying that bilateral relations have stood the test of time, noting expanded exchanges and co-operation in politics, trade and culture.
Official statistics from the Chinese side indicate that last year, Sino-Maltese trade reached US$95 million, a 56 per cent increase over the figure for the previous year.
New momentum is expected to be injected into the development of the 29-year-old bilateral ties Wednesday as the two countries sign an agreement to set up a Chinese cultural centre in Malta.
Further expansion of co-operation in areas such as politics, culture, trade and economy as well as enhanced consultations in international affairs are to the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries, Jiang was quoted as saying by the Chinese spokesman.
Jiang's visit is a follow-up to De Marco's eight-day working visit to China in early July.
During that visit, Jiang suggested that the two countries push for closer ties through enhanced exchanges and consultations on all levels, strengthened co-operation in international organizations, more active and pragmatic economic co-operation and trade and better cultural ties.
According to the Chinese spokesman, De Marco spoke highly of the frequent exchange of high-level visits between his country and China, saying that they are both beneficial and important for bilateral relations.
Jiang arrived in Malta's capital Valletta Tuesday for a three-day state visit. He is scheduled to hold separate talks with Malta's Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami and the leader of the opposition Alfred Sant Tuesday.
(chinadaily.com.cn 07/24/2001)
