Hu signs communique in Warsaw
By Jiang Zhuqing (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-06-09 22:38

President Hu Jintao and his host Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski signed a joint communique on Tuesday, pledging to build bilateral partnership and to enhance mutually beneficial co-operation in various fields.

Hailing Hu's visit as historically significance, Kwasniewski said China has become one of Poland's most important partners either in the political, economic and trade realms.

As a new member of the European Union, Poland will work with China to build an all-around strategic partnership between China and the EU, Kwasniewski said during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart.

As the first Chinese head of state to visit Poland since the two nations established diplomatic relations half a century ago, Hu said the development of Sino-Polish co-operation is in the interest of both nations as well as for the good of regional and world peace and progress.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Hu said, noting his hope the two sides will push bilateral relations to a new high.

To this aim, Hu made a four-point proposal on strengthening ties, including increased exchanges of visits between national, parliamentary leaders and government officials, exploring new economic co-operation and strengthening international co-ordination.

Hu called for tapping additional economic and trade potential and giving impetus to bilateral investment.

The two countries should enlarge ties in culture, science, technology and other fields, Hu suggested.

He noted that the tourism memorandum signed between China and the EU on Chinese citizens traveling to the EU also suits Poland.

After the talks, the leaders signed a joint communique, providing a blueprint for a collaborative future.

The governments agreed on direct co-operation between medium- and small-sized enterprises and for support of market and WTO rules, according to the communique.

Consultations for dealing with international terrorism, arms control, nuclear proliferation, sustainable development, environmental protection and other issues of global importance will continue.

Both nations will fight against cross-national crimes, illegal immigration and economic crimes by supporting co-ordination between judicial departments, customs, finance, and internal affairs.

Poland reiterated its backing of a one-China policy and opposition of any action that would lead to tensions in the Taiwan Straits.

The countries signed a number of agreements on economic, cultural and educational collaboration and deals on copper development and purchases.

Hu's three-day state visit also includes a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka, parliamentary leaders, and a stop in Krakow.

Poland is the first stop in Hu's four-nation visit, which includes stays in Hungary, Romania and Uzbekistan.