Chinese President Jiang Zemin said that the further consolidation of China-Czech relations is in the interests of both countries. Jiang made the remarks while meeting with visiting Czech Prime Minister Milos Zeman.

Czech was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China. Even though Czech and China are geographically far apart, Jiang pointed out that China and Czech have a long- standing friendship.

On the whole, he said, Sino-Czech bilateral relations have developed well over the decades. "We have no fundamental conflicts of interest."

It is only natural that China and Czech should hold different political views on some issues because of different national conditions, historical and cultural backgrounds as well as environments. But all these differences should not become barriers in promoting bilateral relations, Jiang said.

He said that China respects Czech's social system and its path to reform and change. China is delighted to hear achievements made by Czech in developing its economy and improving the living standards of its people.

China places importance on its relations with Czech and will further bilateral cooperation in the areas of politics, economics, science and technology, and culture.

Zeman congratulated China on Macao's upcoming return to the motherland and highly praised achievements made by China since it adopted the policy of reform and opening up some 20 years ago.

Even though Czech established diplomatic ties with China 50 years ago, Zeman said that the friendly relations are in the thoughts of leaders in both countries.

Zeman told Jiang that leaders from both countries have had extensive exchange of views on economic and trade and will carry out further cooperation in the future.

Zeman stressed that Czech consistently adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and respects the "One China" policy.