Croatia says it will adhere to a one-China policy under all circumstances in a joint statement released here Friday aiming at establishing a comprehensive and cooperative partnership with China.

"The Republic of Croatia, under any circumstances, will, as always, adhere to a one-China policy and all related stances, and regards the settlement of the Taiwan issue as an internal affair of the People's Republic of China," reads the statement signed between visiting Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao on Thursday.

It also says Croatia is opposed to "Taiwan Independence", and supports China's peaceful reunification.

The two sides agree to upgrade bilateral relations to comprehensive and cooperative partnership, the statement also reads.

It goes on to say that China understands and respects the efforts of Croatia to participate in the European Union and the integration of Europe.

According to the statement, the two sides agree to handle international relations in a multilateral framework. The two sides agree it is necessary to reform the United Nations.

They affirm to take more effective measures around the world to crack down on terrorism, and to together hold an anti-terrorism campaign that will observe international law, especially the principles of the UN Charter, says the statement.

On Sino-Croatian relations, the two sides agree to promote high- level dialogues, trying to arrange exchanges of visits between the prime ministers or vice prime ministers every five years, notes the statement.

On economic and trade cooperation, the two sides agree to improve commodity and service trade to balance trade and economic cooperation, and confirm that the next session of the Sino- Croatian sub-committee of economic and trade cooperation will be held in Croatia in 2005, says the statement.

The two sides also agree to enhance cooperation on security, tourism, culture, science and technology, and education, and will upgrade the relations between the local provinces and cities, according to the statement.

It also says Prime Minister Sanader formally invites Premier Wen to visit Croatia, and Wen expresses gratitude, and the date of visit will be arranged through diplomatic channels.

Sanader arrived here Thursday morning for a five-day official visit to China. Besides Beijing, he will also travel to Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and Shanghai.

This is Sanader's first trip to China since he assumed office of prime minister in December 2003.

Source: Xinhua