PRESIDENT TUDJMAN WRITES TO CHINESE PRESIDENT

( Editorial: --> 5013 ) ZAGREB, Feb 27 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman sent a letter to the President of the People's Republic of China Jian Zemin, describing Croatian-Sino relations in fields of economic, cultural and scientific cooperation as positive. Such cooperation could be a lasting impetus for new efforts and achievements, Tudjman said in his letter, a statement from the President's office said on Friday. Expressing appreciation for China's principled and consistent policy in understanding new relations which emerged after the break-up of the former Yugoslavia and aggression against Croatia, Tudjman also thanked China for its support in the process of peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danube River region. He also stressed Croatia's readiness to continue improving overall bilateral relations and invited the Chinese President to pay a return visit to Croatia. Croatian Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic, who is on a visit to China, handed the letter to the Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen. The Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed the best regards and wishes of the Chinese President to President Tudjman, adding the Chinese President wished to pay a return visit to Croatia as soon as he had the opportunity. (hina) jn rm 271349 MET feb 98