MESIC ATTENDS RECEPTION MARKING 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRO-CHINESE DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

BEIJING, May 16 (Hina) - China and Croatia will continue promoting good friendly relations, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said on Thursday at a reception in Beijing, held on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. #L# Croatia and China signed a joint statement on mutual recognition on May 13, 1992. "I believe in the continuity of our friendly relations, but I primarily believe in a closer economic cooperation," Mesic said at the reception which was attended by numerous Chinese officials and members of the diplomatic corps. The event, which took place at the hotel "Kempinski", was organised by the Chinese association for friendship with foreign countries and Croatian Ambassador Zeljko Kirincic. The Croatian president stressed China's role as an economic power and an unavoidable factor in international relations. Croatia is oriented towards European associations but it did not limit its foreign policy to Europe alone. "We are not shutting the door to other parts of the world, it is opened wide," Mesic said. The two countries, he said, co-operated successfully in international organisations, too, and advocated a more active role of the United Nations in global relations. Jiang Zhenghua, vice-president of the National People's Congress, said that after a difficult struggle for independence Croatia had become a factor contributing to peace and stability in South-East Europe. China respects Croatia's independence and supports its efforts to join Euro-Atlantic associations, he said. The Croatian president today visited the Great Wall. This afternoon he will start official talks with his host, Chinese President Jiang Zemin. The two officials are expected to discuss bilateral relations and international issues. (hina) rml