BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic discussed bilateral cooperation in Beijing on Thursday.
"China is ready to work with Croatia to consolidate political mutual trust and promote bilateral cooperation in all areas in the spirit of mutual respect and equity," said Li in his meeting with Grabar-Kitarovic at the Great Hall of the People.
He called on the two countries to cooperate in areas including infrastructure construction such as railways and ports, and to make good use of financing tools such as special purpose loans and funds to ensure smooth project operations.
Li invited Croatia to participate in the fourth meeting between leaders of China and Central and Eastern European countries to be held in China this year.
Li also hoped Croatia will continue to play a positive role within the EU to contribute to healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.
Grabar-Kitarovic said Croatia had always supported cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China and is willing to be a window for Chinese companies to enter the European market and a reliable partner of China within the European Union.
She welcomed Chinese companies to increase investment in Croatia and pledged to provide favorable conditions. The visit, which lasts from Oct. 13 to 18, is the first by Grabar-Kitarovic to China since she took office in January. Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with her on Wednesday.