Chinese, Slovenian leaders pledge to promote bilateral cooperation Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Slovenia's President Danilo Turk in Ljubjana, May 10, 2008. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin and Slovenia's President Danilo Turk Saturday hailed the bilateral friendly ties and pledged to promote cooperation in all fields.

During his meeting with Turk, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that the two countries have maintained regular exchange of high-level visits and the bilateral ties have developed smoothly since 1992 when the two countries established diplomatic relations.

Jia said that the Chinese government regards Slovenia as a reliable partner and is willing to broaden pragmatic cooperation in all fields. He also said that China was keen on enhancing partnership with the European Union, which is currently chaired by Slovenia.

Turk said that Slovenia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China's stands on Taiwan and Tibet issues.

Turk highlighted the importance of strategic partnership between China and the European Union. He also said that Slovenia as the current EU presidency holder would like to promote the further development of EU-China ties.

Jia, who arrived in Ljubljana earlier on Saturday, is visiting Slovenia at the invitation of Slovenia's National Council President Blaz Kavcic, whom he will meet for talks on Monday. He is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Janez Jansa on Monday.

Slovenia is Jia's third leg of the four-nation European tour, which has taken him to Romania and Hungary. His tour's last destination is Croatia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2008)