At the invitation of President Jiang Zemin of the People?s Republic of China, President Milan Kucan of the Republic of Slovenia paid a state visit to the People?s Republic of China from 14 to 19 October 1996.

President Jiang Zemin of the People?s Republic of China held talks with President Milan Kucan of the Republic of Slovenia. The two leaders exchanged views on stronger bilateral relations, international issues of common concern and cooperation between the two countries in international organizations. The talks were held in a friendly, frank and constructive atmosphere. The two sides were satisfied with the results of the talks.

There exist traditional good relations and cooperation between China and Slovenia. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have cooperated with each other in the political, economic, scientific, technological, cultural, educational and health fields. Contacts between various localities of the two countries have also been enhanced.

The two sides believe that the visit will contribute to greater mutual understanding and trust and stronger friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Slovenian side reiterated that it would stick to its principled position of one China. It recognized that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and the Government of the People?s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of Chinese people. The Republic of Slovenia does not change its position of refraining from conducting any official exchanges or establishing any official relations with Taiwan.

The Chinese side appreciated this position of Slovenia and stated that China deeply valued its friendly relations and cooperation with Slovenia in all fields, respected Slovenian independence and sovereignty, attached importance to the positive role Slovenia was playing in Europe and the international community and understood Slovenia?s interest in joining in European integration. China respects Slovenia?s foreign policy of peace and its role in solving the Balkan crisis.

The Slovenian side stated that it cherished its long-term and stable relations with China, respected the special role China plays in the Asian region as well as in the international community and international organizations and appreciated China?s rapid economic development.

The Slovenian side stressed that Slovenia was one of the successor states to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). The Chinese side expressed its understanding of it and hoped that the countries of the former SFRY would step up their consultations and China would respect the consensus they may reach.

President Milan Kucan of Republic of Slovenia expressed his thanks to the Chinese side for the warm and friendly reception accorded to the Slovenian Delegation and invited President Jiang Zemin of the People?s Republic of China to visit Slovenia at a convenient time. President Jiang Zemin appreciated and accepted the invitation.