Chinese, Yugoslav Presidents Hold Talks

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, January 10, 2002

Chinese, Yugoslav Presidents Hold Talks

The friendship between China and Yugoslavia has remained strong despite changes in international and regional situations and in both countries over the past decades, said Chinese President Jiang Zemin during his talks with visiting Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica Wednesday.
Kostunica said his visit to China will help usher in an new era of bilateral relations.

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Yugoslav President Kostunica Arrives in China for Official Visit

Sino-Yugoslav Friendship Lasting: Jiang

Three reasons

Jiang said the Sino-Yugoslav relations can withstand the test of time for three reasons. First, both countries respect each other and cherish their friendship. Second, they have no conflicts of interest or lingering problems, and cooperation for mutual benefit is conducive to both sides. Finally, they each strictly adhere to the principles of total equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Support of Chinese Government

Jiang pointed out it is the unalterable policy of the Chinese government to develop long-term, stable and friendly relations of cooperation between China and Yugoslavia.

He said China respects Yugoslavia's choice of development path and foreign policy, adding that China understands the efforts Yugoslavia has made to become involved in the integration of Europe.

Yugoslav Government's Achievement Praised

He highly praised the efforts made by the Yugoslav government to realize national reconciliation, reconstruct its economy, strengthen international cooperation, pursue a good-neighborly policy and seek a political resolution of the Kosovo issue.

Jiang also said he was pleased to see the achievements of the Yugoslav government in both internal and international affairs. He expressed the belief that the Yugoslav government and people have the ability and wisdom to properly resolve the problems they are facing.

New Era of Bi-Relations to Come: Kostunica

Kostunica said his visit to China will help usher in an new era of bilateral relations. He said the two countries think alike on major issues.

He reiterated that the Yugoslav government will continue to adhere to the "One China" stance.

Joint Statement Signed

After the talks, the presidents signed a joint statement between the governments of the two countries and attended the signing ceremony of two documents on economic and technical cooperation.

China and Yugoslavia

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

October 5, 1949, the People's Federal Republic of Yugoslavia recognized the People's Republic of China.

In October, China and Yugoslavia simultaneously released the communique on establishment of diplomatic relations; Later on both sides decided that January 2 is the date of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.

Yugoslavian President to Promote Ties Through China Visit

Yugoslavian President Vojislav Kostunica's China visit is to promote friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries, FM spokesman Sun Yuxi said on January 8.

During his visit, Kostunica will hold talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin, and meet separately with Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Premier Zhu Rongji.

Bilateral Economic, Trade Relations

In 1999, the total volume of trade between China and Yugoslavia was $37.33 million, up 12.2% from 1998. Among this total, China's export volume was $30.55 million, and China's import volume was $6.78 million.

The Sino-Yugoslavian trade volume in 2000 is US$68.50 million, increasing by 83.5% over 1999. Of the total volume, Chinese export is US$60.96 million and Chinese import US$7.54 million.

Source from Website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

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