Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Friday that China and Iceland can increase exchange and contacts at all levels and work together to push forward bilateral relations.
Jiang made the remarks while meeting with Icelandic President Olafur Grimsson. He also met with Icelandic Prime Minister David Oddsson earlier Friday.
China and Iceland have seen smooth cooperation in fishing industry and ship-building, and Iceland is now an important exporter of aquatic products to China among northern European nations, Jiang said.
The two countries have now begun cooperation in areas of tourism and geothermal power utilization, he noted.
Jiang said China and Iceland share wide-ranging common interests in maintaining world peace and promoting common development. He suggested that relevant departments of the two countries enlarge cooperation in trade, economic, scientific and technological areas.
President Olafur Grimsson said Iceland attaches great importance to China's role and influence in international affairs, and is willing to expand cooperation with China in culture, trade, fishing industry, geothermal power and tourism as well as other economic sectors.
In a separate meeting with Jiang, Prime Minister David Oddsson said his government observes the one-China policy, and will develop full-range cooperation with China.
When asked about China's position on certain international issues, Jiang said China welcomes the relaxation of tensions between India and Pakistan, and appreciates the measures the two sides have taken to this end.
Jiang said China sincerely hopes that India and Pakistan can resume dialog as soon as possible, and resolve all disputes including the Kashmir issue through negotiations, so as to maintain peace and stability in south Asia.
Jiang arrived here on Thursday for a state visit.
( June 15, 2002)
