Economic and trade cooperation between China and Iceland faced
broad prospects, visiting State Councilor Chen Zhili said on
Thursday, according to news from Reykjavik, capital of Iceland.
Chen made the remarks during her meeting with Icelandic Prime
Minister Geir Haarde.
Since the diplomatic relationship was established 35 years ago,
bilateral ties between China and Iceland had developed fast and had
witnessed continuous exchanges of visits by leaders of the two
countries.
There had also been a smooth development of economic and trade
ties as well as exchanges in such fields as science, technology,
culture, education and tourism, she said.
Iceland was the first West European country that recognized
China's status as a complete market economy and the first European
country that completed research with China on the feasibility of
establishing a free trade zone, said the Chinese leader, expressing
China's appreciation.
She praised Iceland's prominent economic construction and
successful restructuring of its industry from a single fishing to
multi-faceted economy.
Talking of broad prospects for economic and trade cooperation
between the two countries, Chen pledged that China would make joint
efforts with Iceland to promote their ties based on equality,
mutual respect and benefit, as China attached great importance to
friendly cooperation with Iceland.
Meanwhile, Haarde expressed his admiration of the fast
development of the Chinese economy, adding that international
cooperation was necessary for the greater development of the
Icelandic economy.
Reiterating Iceland's one-China policy, Haarde expressed his
willingness to boost mutually-beneficial cooperation with
China.
Chen also held talks with Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir,
Minister of Education, Science and Culture of Iceland, on boosting
bilateral cooperation in such fields as education, science and
culture.
(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2006)
