Chinese President Jiang Zemin, in a meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry in Beijing Wednesday, said he believes that Chaudhry's present China visit will promote the growth of Sino-Fijian friendly and cooperative ties.

Jiang said that China is satisfied with the "fruitful talks" between Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and Chaudhry, in which the two sides reached extensive consensus on bilateral ties and other international and regional issues of common interest.

He noted that major developments have been made in bilateral ties since diplomatic relations were established 24 years ago.

The two countries have conducted effective cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, culture and education and have worked well together in international and regional affairs, which have accelerated the growth of Sino-Fijian relations, Jiang said.

The president went on to say that China and Fiji, both developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, face the same task of developing their economies and improving the livelihood of their peoples and share common interests in maintaining the regional peace and stability and promoting regional economic prosperity.

A joint press communique, to be issued by the two sides, will provide a more solid basis for trans-century development of Sino-Fijian cooperative relations, Jiang stated.

The Chinese government treasures its ties with Fiji, Jiang noted, adding that at the turn of the century the leaders of the two countries should work together to push forward bilateral

friendly relations established on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence.

Chaudhry said that Fiji-China relations have witnessed fast development in different fields since the two forged diplomatic relationship. He said he admired China's economic achievement over the past two decades.

The unprecedented success of China's reform and opening-up policy has set an example for the developing countries, he said.

China is the only developing country among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and has demonstrated its responsible approach in international affairs,

Chaudhry said, adding that Fiji is ready to reinforce cooperation with China in international affairs to jointly maintain world stability and peace.

The prime minister expressed thanks for China's long-term economic and technological aid, which he said has served the interests of the Fijian people.

Chaudhry emphasized that his country has recognized the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China, and reaffirmed that the position of Fiji remains unchanged.

Jiang said he appreciated the "one China" stance taken by the Fijian government over the past decades.