Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader arrived in Shanghai, China's economic hub, Sunday to continue his five-day official visit to China as guest of Premier Wen Jiabao.

During meeting with Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng Sunday evening, Sanader said he was delighted to visit the city on the occasion of the 25th anniversary marking the establishment of sister-city links between Shanghai and Croatia's Zagreb.

He said he believes his current visit will further strengthen relations between the two countries as well as the two cities.

Han briefed Sanader about Shanghai's social and economic development in recent years and the trade ties between Shanghai and Croatia.

In 2004, the trade volume between Shanghai and Croatia reached 21.9 million US dollars, up 174.58 percent over the previous year. From January to March this year, the two sides realized trade volume of 5.3 million US dollars, up 58.84 percent over the same period last year.

Shanghai is the third and last leg of Sanader's China tour. Prior to his arrival here, he has visited Beijing and Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

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

Source: Xinhua