Chinese President Jiang Zemin and visiting Croatian President Stjepan Mesic signed a Joint Statement on Thursday aimed at improving Sino-Croatia cooperation after talks in Beijing.
The statement, titled the Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Croatia on Strengthening Their Relationship with Mutually Beneficial Cooperation, said that Jiang and Mesic shared similar views on issues covered during their talks.
It said China and Croatia were both dedicated to world peace and believed it was necessary to narrow the gap between developed and developing countries. Terrorism posed a danger to all countries in the world and solutions should be sought to deal with the issue, it said.
The statement listed eight points as follows:
1. The two sides are satisfied with the friendly cooperation between them since they established diplomatic relations ten years ago. They are willing to abide by comprehensively-accepted international rules and develop bilateral ties plus ties with other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.
2. The two sides are willing to strengthen dialogue at various levels and exchange views on bilateral ties, reform, development and the international situation on various levels.
3. The two sides are satisfied with sustained growth in economic cooperation and trade between them, and are willing to improve mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with market economy principles.
4. The two sides welcome and totally support exchanges and cooperation in science, culture, education, medicine, tourism, sports and other fields.
5. Croatia will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and China appreciates the efforts made by Croatia in joining Europe's integration process. China believes Croatia plays a positive role in safeguarding regional stability.
6. The two sides agree that all countries, whether big or small, rich or poor, are equal in the international community, and should enjoy equal rights in participating in international affairs. The two are willing to join with the international community to promote the establishment of a just and rational new international order.
7. The two sides stress the importance of the United Nations as it is the most important inter-governmental organization, and are willing to strengthen its leading role in handling international relations. The two will honor the tenet and principles of the UN Charter, and are willing to continue cooperation in the UN and other international organizations.
8. The two sides believe terrorism poses a serious danger to civilization, and support the fight against terrorism of any form. They hold that dual standards should not be adopted in fighting terrorism, international cooperation should be pursued and the role of the United Nations should be recognized.
(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2002)
