Li Peng Arrives in CroatiaLi Peng, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress(NPC), arrived Thursday on an official goodwill visit to Croatia after visiting Slovenia.Upon his arrival, Li and his wife Zhu Lin and their party were greeted at the airport by Croatian Assembly Speaker Zlatko Tomcic, Deputy Speaker Zdravko Tomac and high-ranking government officials. In his written speech issued at the airport, Li said there exists profound traditional friendship between the Chinese and Croatian peoples. After the independence of Croatia, especially since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992, their friendly relations have grown further. "We are satisfied with such development of bilateral ties," he added. Li said the purpose of his current visit is to increase mutual understanding, strengthen trust, promote friendship and deepen cooperation. "I hope my visit will help promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries and two peoples," he said. During his stay in Croatia, Li is scheduled to meet with Croatian President, Prime Minister and Assembly Chairman, and other high-ranking officials to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern. Li is on a six-nation tour which has already taken him to Yugoslavia and Slovenia and will also carry him to Slovakia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine. |
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