China, Croatia mark 30 years of diplomatic ties

President Xi Jinping and Croatian President Zoran Milanovic exchanged congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties on Friday, with both leaders pledging to further build on the partnership between the two nations.

Xi said in his message to Milanovic that the two nations have always respected each other and treated each other as equals over the past three decades, and the relationship has withstood tests from changes in the international landscape.

The two nations have developed solid political mutual trust, and the joint building of Belt and Road has secured positive outcomes, bringing benefits to both peoples, he said, adding that their joint fight against COVID-19 also marked a new chapter in bilateral friendship.

Xi underscored that he attaches great importance to ties with Croatia, and he is willing to work with Milanovic to consolidate political mutual trust, step up the alignment of their development strategies and jointly usher in further growth in bilateral relations and more benefits for the peoples of both nations.

Milanovic said he believes the two nations will continue working together to deepen their partnership, expand areas of cooperation and enable bilateral relations to keep attaining new outcomes.

Premier Li Keqiang also exchanged messages with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Friday.

Li said Beijing is ready to step up dialogue and exchanges with Croatia, cement the traditional friendship, expand areas of pragmatic cooperation and further deepen the relationship.

Plenkovic said his country will continue to play a proactive role to work toward new achievements from bilateral relations.