Chinese Vice President Confers with Slovak GuestsChinese Vice President Hu Jintao said Wednesday that China appreciates Slovakia's adherence to the one- China policy and its efforts to develop ties with China.Hu, who is also a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at his meeting with Slovak Defense Minister Pavol Kanis. China and Slovakia have already had traditional friendship, Hu said. "Since our two countries forged diplomatic ties seven years ago, bilateral relations have been growing steadily and the cooperation between the two countries have been gradually expanded, " he said. Under the new historic conditions, the armed forces of the two countries would strengthen friendly exchanges in all aspects on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, Hu noted. "The development of long-term, steady cooperative relations between China and Slovakia is in the fundamental interest of our two peoples," he said, adding that concerted efforts should be made continuously in this regard. Hu also expounded on China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue. Kanis said that Slovakia adheres to the one-China stand and supports China's peaceful reunification. Slovakia has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan and will not establish diplomatic ties with Taiwan in the future, he said. He praised China's active role in the international affairs and China's principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit in developing relations with small countries. He hoped the Slovakia-China friendly relations would witness continuous growth. Vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, State Councilor and Defense Minister Chi Haotian was present at the meeting. |
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