Chinese, Maltese Presidents on Bilateral Relations

Chinese President Meets Maltese Counterpart

---

No matter how the international and domestic situations have changed, Sino-Maltese relations have developed smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972, said Chinese President Jiang Zemin Monday afternoon.

Jiang, in talks with visiting Maltese President Guido De Marco, spoke highly of the Sino-Maltese relations.

He said that China and Malta are time-tested good friends, and the leaders of the two countries have paid great attention to the bilateral friendly relations.

He said China thanks Malta for its support on the important issues of principle concerning China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Jiang noted that he is pleased to see the new development of Sino-Maltese relations in recent years, referring to the frequent exchanges of high-level visits. The two countries have also maintained fruitful cooperation in the economic, trade, agricultural and cultural fields.

Jiang noted that, in the new century, both China and Malta are facing the common tasks of safeguarding world peace and developing their economies, and so China is ready to work with Malta to promote bilateral ties.

Jiang put forward three proposals in this respect:

-- Developing bilateral relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

He expressed the hope that the two countries strengthen contacts on different levels and cooperation in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations.

-- Furthering trade and economic cooperation with an active and practical attitude.

Jiang said, China and Malta have a good foundation for trade and economic cooperation, and China is willing to find new areas to cooperate with Malta, especially in projects conforming to the conditions in the two countries.

-- Increasing cooperation in the cultural field to promote understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

De Marco said that Malta and China have maintained frequent contacts on different levels in the political field, and cooperated well in international organizations such as the United Nations.

Both have advocated resolving international disputes through peaceful means, and have made contributions to safeguarding the peace and stability of the international community, he added.

He stressed that Malta is resolutely committed to the One-China policy, and supports China's efforts to achieve national reunification.

In the economic field, he said, the two governments have set up a joint committee of economy and trade to promote bilateral cooperation.

The two countries have also conducted cooperation in the cultural field, he said, expressing the hope that Malta and China have closer ties.

De Marco once again invited Jiang to visit Malta, and Jiang thanked him for the invitation.

The two sides also reached consensus on international and regional issues of common concern.

Maltese President Honored With Doctorate

The Foreign Affairs College in China conferred an honorary doctor's degree upon the visiting Maltese President Guido de Marco here Monday.

The title was awarded in honor of the President's contribution to world peace and development, to the friendly exchanges between China and Malta, and for his academic achievements, said the College President Yang Fuchang.

After the ceremony, de Marco delivered a speech entitled Ideas and Ideals on UN Reform, calling for the "proper revitalization and consolidation of this organization's functions and responsibilities" so as to ensure the international community to " be in a position to respond credibly and effectively to destabilizing threats".

De Marco started his China visit on July 1 as guest of Chinese President Jiang Zemin.