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China-Malta Ties Model for Others, Chinese Premier
The relations between China and Malta can be considered a good example of relations between big and small countries and countries of different social systems, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Tuesday.
Zhu's remark came in his meeting with Maltese President Guido De Marco.
Premier Zhu first extended a warm welcome to President De Marco. After recalling his visit to Malta in 1983, he said that the hospitality of the Maltese people impressed him deeply.
Zhu said that President De Marco, who is on his fourth visit to China, is an old friend of the Chinese people. Speaking highly of the efforts made by De Marco for the development of Sino-Maltese relations, he said he believes that De Marco's current tour would further promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries.
Zhu also spoke highly of the stance adopted by Malta on the one- China principle and support of Malta to China's reunification.
China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Malta, he said.
Sino-Maltese ties are based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral cooperation has witnessed smooth growth in the political, economic, trade, cultural and other areas, Zhu said, adding that China was pleased to see such development.
He told De Marco that the Chinese government will earnestly implement the agreements and consensus reached between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and President De Marco during the visit so as to push forward the continuous growth of bilateral ties.
De Marco said that the great changes in China have impressed him on each China tour. China has made remarkable achievements in national construction and has always upheld justice in international affairs, he said.
He highly spoke of the efforts made by China to further its ties with Malta, a small Mediterranean country, and described the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries as a demonstration of China's principle that all countries, big or small, are equal.
De Marco said that the government and the people of Malta hope President Jiang visits Malta at an early date.
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