On September 1, the Chinese Ambassador to Croatia H. E. Mr. Qi Qianjin met with former Croatian President H. E. Mr. Stjepan Mesić.

    Ambassador Qi spoke highly of Mesić's important contributions to promoting the development of China-Croatia relations during his tenure and later, saying that this year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Croatia and that the relations between the two countries had maintained high-level and high-quality development over the past 30 years. The opening of the Pelješac Bridge for traffic became a successful example of the cooperation between the two countries and the tripartite cooperation between China, Croatia, and Europe. Ambassador Qi expressed the willingness of the Chinese Embassy to work with Mesić and old and new friends from Croatia to promote practical cooperation between the two sides in various fields, deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two people, and promote greater development of China-Croatia relations.

    Qi said that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China would be held in mid-October, which is of great significance. China will continue to unswervingly follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order, promote world peace and development through its development, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Mesić spoke positively of China's economic development achievements and highly appreciated China's contribution to the world economy. He added that the successful opening of the Pelješac Bridge undertaken by a Chinese company showed the Croatian people the Chinese speed and quality, and also established a good model for China-Croatia cooperation.  Croatia and China should join hands to achieve win-win cooperation and constantly push bilateral relations to a higher level. Mesić said that he had visited China many times and witnessed the rapid economic and social development of China, was amazed at the size and speed of China's infrastructure and considered himself well versed in the wisdom of Chinese leaders in governing the country. Mesić also wished the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China a complete success.