China is ready to join hands with Slovenia to open up new fields of cooperation and go on pushing forward bilateral ties, said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing Tuesday.

During his meeting with Janez Susnik, chairman of the National Council of the Slovenian assembly, and other Slovenian guests, Jia said it is in the fundamental interests of both countries and their people to consolidate and develop Sino-Slovenian relations.

Bilateral relations between China and Slovenia have witnessed smooth development since the forging of diplomatic ties 12 years ago, with fruitful results scored in all fields of cooperation, and mutual political trust increasingly strengthened, Jia acknowledged. In recent years, more active cooperation were carried out in such sectors as economy and trade, science and technology, education and culture, and the two countries also maintained good communication and cooperation within international organizations like the United Nations.

China and Slovenia, paying respect to each other's development path and internal and external policies, do not interfere with each other's internal affairs, Jia said. The Chinese side appreciates and appraises the Slovenia government for its support to the one-China policy.

Jia said the Chinese CPPCC and the Slovenian National Council each has an vital role to play in political and social life in their respective country. The CPPCC is willing to expand exchanges with the Slovenian National Council, and jointly make persevering efforts for the friendship between the people of the two countries.

Susnik said that Slovenia and China, witnessing a long tradition of friendship, have seen sound development of cooperation in all fields. The two sides share a great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

He also noted that the Slovenian government will, as always, adhere to the one-China policy.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2004)