ZAGREB, CROATIA – Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader received Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday at the government building and voiced that his visit to Croatia was a key incentive for businessmen to intensify co-operation, the government announced Saturday.

Although geographically distant, Croatia and China are developing good and friendly relations, Sanader voiced satisfaction. We are pleased with the level of bilateral relations, which are very good and there are no outstanding issues. Regarding economic ties, we want to reduce the deficit on the Croatian side, the press release reads, adding that Sanader pointed out Croatia`s orientation towards to the policy of “one China”.

Joint Croatian-Chinese boards to meet by the end of year

Thanks to the hospitality and excellent organisation, Chinese President Hu, who arrived in Croatia on Friday afternoon, confirmed that the two countries were traditionally friendly.

He assessed that mutual trust was on the rise, while, economic, cultural, scientific-technological and educational co-operation was being gradually deepened. Political foundations of their relationship are constantly reinforced, the announcement reads.

President Hu Jintao invited Croatian companies to intensify their presence on the Chinese market, in order to expand collaboration, particularly in the scientific-technological area, telecommunications, the pharmaceutical industry and tourism.

The Croatian-Chinese Economic Forum will secure good foundations for further activities. It is expected that a joint Croatian-Chinese board for scientific-technological and economic co-operation will meet by the end of year, while the Croatian government passed a decision on Friday, according to which Croatia will take part in the 2010 World Expo Show in Shanghai, the cabinet announcement reads.