国内英语新闻:China pledges to advance relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina

BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday pledged to work with Bosnia and Herzegovina to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

"We should work together to achieve this goal based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," Wen said during his talks with Nikola Spiric, chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Hailing the traditional friendship between the two nations, Wen said China respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and respects its peoples's choice of their development path.

Wen hoped the western Balkan region would achieve lasting peace and stability.

Wen said trade and economic cooperation between the two countries has good prospects. The Chinese government encourages reputable companies to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to participate in its economic construction.

He welcomed Bosnian enterprises to further develop the Chinese market and expand exports to China.

Both sides should make joint efforts to promote cultural, educational and tourism exchanges to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples and friendship, he said.

Spiric thanked China for its valuable support and help.

Bosnia and Herzegovina attached importance to China's development, and wished to strengthen its friendly and cooperative relations with the country, he said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China and will continue to firmly support China in major issues concerning China's core interests.

Spiric hoped to work with China to strengthen cooperation in economy and trade, infrastructure construction, education, cultural exchanges, and welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes Chinese people to visit the country, he added.

After their talks, Wen and Spiric witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries.

China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met with Spiric later on Friday, applauding the country's adherence to the one-China policy.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the CPPCC would increase exchanges and cooperation with the country's parliament, to contribute to the development of bilateral ties.

Chinese vice premier Zhang Dejiang also met with Spiric Friday evening, hoping the two sides would expand cooperation in construction of highways and power plants.

Spiric is the first prime minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit China since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 15 years ago.

Spiric will also visit Shanghai to attend the National Pavilion Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and tour Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province.