China is willing to work with Serbia to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in such fields as trade, economy and agriculture, visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said Wednesday.

 

At a meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, Hui said the profound relationship between China and Serbia has withstood the test of time and the changeful international situation.

 

He added that in recent years, the two nations have increased high-level exchanges, deepened mutual political trust and continued to broaden areas of cooperation.

 

Hui hoped that with the help of such mechanism as the China-Serbia trade and economic cooperation mixed committee, both sides would work out a scientific blueprint on the preferential areas for cooperation.

 

The Chinese government encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Serbia and actively participate in the country's infrastructure construction, he said.

 

Serbian enterprises are also welcomed in China's market competition, said the vice premier.

 

He suggested that China and Serbia improve the mechanism of agricultural cooperation, share experience in agricultural technology and management, so as to make the cooperation in this area a highlight in their mutually-beneficial relations.

 

On the Kosovo issue, Hui said China hopes that relevant UN resolutions would be implemented to safeguard the interests of all ethnic groups in the region.

 

All parties concerned should seek a proper resolution to the issue through patient negotiations, he added.

 

For his part, Kostunica said Serbia and China have maintained along-standing friendship, close political dialogue and smooth cooperation in such fields as trade and economy.

 

Serbia is grateful to China for its support and regards the country as a trustworthy cooperation partner, he said.

 

Kostunica said Serbia is willing to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of trade and economy, agriculture, telecom and transportation, increase personnel and cultural exchanges, and continue to elevate their friendly relations of cooperation.

 

The Serbian prime minister also spoke of his country's position on the Kosovo issue.

 

After the meeting, Hui and Kostunica attended the signing ceremony of agreements on the two countries' cooperation in the areas of agriculture and human resources.

 

Hui arrived in Belgrade on Tuesday for an official visit to Serbia.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2007)