Chinese Vice President Meets Yugoslav Defense Minister
Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao met Wednesday afternoon with Yugoslav Defense Minister Slobodian Krapovic.
Hu, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, saidthat Chinese and Yugoslav peoples have enjoyed traditional friendship, and Sino-Yugoslav relations have developed smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.
He said that China attaches importance to its relations with Yugoslavia, respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its people's choices on a social system and development path.
China also supports efforts by Yugoslav government to safeguardnational stability and regional peace, Hu said.
Hu noted that in the new century, developing Sino-Yugoslav relations and enhancing cooperation between the two armed forces conforms to the fundamental interest of the two peoples.
China is ready to promote the healthy and stable development ofSino-Yugoslav relations on the basis of five principles of peaceful co-existence and the Sino-Yugoslav Joint Communique, he said.
Krapovic spoke highly of China's achievements in reform and opening-up.
He said that Yugoslavia and China have enjoyed traditional friendly relations, and the two sides have shared identical or similar views on many international issues, and Yugoslavia hopes to further its relations with China.
He said that Yugoslavia will continue its adherence to the one-China stance.
Military Leader Meets Yugoslav Defense Minister
Guo Boxiong, executive deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, met Wednesday with Yugoslavian Defense Minster Slobodian Krapovic.
Guo, also a member of the Central Military Commission, said that China and Yugoslavia have enjoyed long-term friendship, and furthering the friendly relations between the two nations and armed forces conforms to the fundamental interest of the two peoples, as well as benefits world and regional peace and stability.
He said that China is ready to work with Yugoslavia to promote cooperation in all fields.
Krapovic said that he has held frank talks with the Chinese government and military leaders, laying the foundation for the further cooperation between the two countries.
Yugoslavia will continue to push forward the traditional friendly relations with China, he said.