CPC to strengthen ties with Montenegro's DPS

A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met with a delegation from Montenegro's ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and vowed to strengthen ties.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, met with DPS President Milo Djukanovic at the Great Hall of the People on Monday afternoon.

Li said the CPC and DPS, both ruling parties, play important roles in their countries' politics. The CPC is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the DPS on the basis of four principles guiding party-to-party relations, which feature independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.

Speaking highly of the CPC's strong leadership, Djukanovic expressed the wish that the CPC's upcoming 18th National Congress a great success.

With regard to China-Montenegro relations, Li said China believes all countries, no matter how big or small, are equal members of the international community. All countries should respect and treat each other on an equal footing.

He said Montenegro is an important cooperative partner of China in the Balkans. China is ready to continue to promote their friendly cooperative relationship in the principle of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity.

Li also called on the two sides to prioritize and expand trade and economic cooperation.

Djukanovic said the party, government and people of Montenegro are sincere friends of the Chinese. Montenegro will firmly pursue a friendly policy toward China and support its development.

He said he believed China's development would benefit Montenegro, the Balkans and the world as a whole.