Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan pointed out on December 27 that the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia did not lead to a solution of the Kosovo issue, but rather complicated the situation further.

In talks with his visiting Yugoslav counterpart Zivadin Jovanovic, Tang stressed that a political settlement of the Kosovo issue should be sought by respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia, safeguarding the legitimate rights of all ethnic groups in the Kosovo area, and implementing the UN Security Council resolution No. 1244.

China supports Yugoslavia's return to the world society, sympathizes with its heavy losses resulting from the US-led NATO bombing, and respects the Yugoslav people's struggle to rebuild their homes, he emphasized, adding that the Chinese government encourages China's enterprises to actively participate in Yugoslovia's reconstruction.

Tang expressed the hope that the current visit by Jovanovic, the last distinguished foreign guest to visit China this century, would mark the satisfactory ending of bilateral cooperation in the 20th century, and also launch the beginning of sustainable, healthy and steady development of bilateral relations in the 21st century.

Jovanovic expressed his gratitude for China's support for his country in hard times, and welcomed Chinese enterprises to become involved in the country's economic restoration.

He said Yugoslavia deeply appreciates China's pursuit of a just position on the Kosovo issue. Yugoslavia treasures its traditional friendship with China, and is willing to further increase cooperation with China in various fields, he noted.

Jovanovic also extended his congratulations on the return of Macao to China, and stressed that Yugoslavia will continue support China's reunification cause.

Jovanovic arrived in China on December 25th for a five-day official visit, at the invitation of Tang.