"The Peljesac Bridge project is a model of tripartite cooperation among China, Croatia and the EU, and realizes mutual benefits and win-win results," Li said.
Li stressed that the 16+1 cooperation mechanism has played an important role in enhancing cooperation between China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) and cementing the European integration process.
China appreciates Croatia's work on facilitating 16+1 cooperation and is ready to make joint efforts with Croatia toward a successful China-CEEC leaders' meeting, Li said.
This is the first time ever by a Chinese premier to visit Croatia since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
Plenkovic welcomed Li on the visit and said Croatia stands ready to strengthen the understanding of China's history and culture, share China's development opportunities, support the building of the Belt and Road so as to benefit the two countries and peoples.
Noting the high-level development of bilateral relations, Plenkovic said Croatia and China will ink a series of cooperation documents during Premier Li's visit, which demonstrates the latest achievements of practical cooperation between the two sides.
"The Peljesac Bridge is highly rated by the Croatian people and China is Croatia's important partner on infrastructure construction," said the Croatian prime minister, adding that Croatia is willing to further enhance cooperation with China in politics, economy, culture, tourism and port infrastructure.
Saying he is looking forward to co-chairing the eighth leaders' meeting of China-CEEC, Plenkovic also commended positively the outcomes of the 21st China-EU leaders' meeting and said as an EU member, Croatia stands ready to play an active and constructive role in cementing the development of EU-China ties.
After the meeting, Li and Plenkovic witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas including trade and investment, tourism, quality inspection and sports. The two sides also released a joint communique between the two governments.
Prior to the meeting, Plenkovic held a grand welcome ceremony at the St. Mark's Square for Li.
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