President Jiang Zemin Monday expressed China's willingness to push for closer ties with Malta.
Jiang was speaking at a meeting with visiting President Guido De Marco from the Mediterranean country.
Jiang called the two countries "old friends that have stood the test of time,'' and stressed that further development of bilateral ties should still be based on the principles of respect, equality and reciprocity.
He hoped for better exchanges and consultations on all levels and strengthened co-operation in international organizations.
Jiang also suggested the two countries push their economic co-operation and trade relations in an active and pragmatic manner, saying China was willing to work with Malta to explore new ways to co-operate and look for new projects that conform to the conditions of the two countries and meet the demand of the market.
Official statistics from the Chinese side indicate that last year, two-way trade registered at nearly US$95 million, a 56 per cent increase over the previous year.
The two countries should also give full play to cultural ties and carry out all sorts of exchanges so as to further promote understanding and friendship between their two peoples, Jiang added.
China's willingness to develop bilateral ties received a positive response from the Maltese guests. According to the Chinese spokesman, De Marco described the co-operation between his country and China as "very good,'' and looked forward to closer ties in the future.
Both presidents Monday spoke highly of the ties between their countries since 1972, when the two formally forged their diplomatic relationship.
De Marco highlighted the two countries' joint efforts in the international arena to safeguard peace and stability as well as the promotion of their economic and cultural relations.
He was quoted by the Chinese spokesman as pledging that his country will adhere to the one-China policy and support China in its efforts for reunification.
Jiang appreciated Malta's consistent support to China on issues concerning China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said the spokesman.
De Marco arrived in Beijing on Sunday for an eight-day working visit. Apart from the meeting with Jiang Monday, he will hold talks with Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Tuesday. The Maltese President and his entourage are also scheduled to visit China's commercial hubs Shanghai and Hong Kong.
(chinadaily.com.cn 07/03/2001)
