¡¡ St. PETERSBURG, Russia, May 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese President HuJintao, who is here to attend events celebrating the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, on Friday met respectively with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

¡¡¡¡During the meeting, Hu told Kwasniewski that maintaining and developing Sino-Polish relations is the common desire of both peoples and is in the interests of both countries.

¡¡¡¡The new Chinese central leadership will be devoted as ever to strengthening bilateral ties of friendly cooperation and enhancingcooperation in various fields, which is mutually beneficial, Hu said.

¡¡¡¡Kwasniewski said his country hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in politics, economy and trade, as well as in cultural fields.

¡¡¡¡While meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, President Hu reaffirmedChina's intention to further promote relations with the EU.

¡¡¡¡Cooperation between China and the EU is in the vital interests of both sides, and will contribute to the peace, stability and development in Europe and Asia as well as the whole world, he said. ¡¡¡¡

¡¡¡¡The Sino-Greek ties have entered a new era with exchanges and cooperation being expanded in various fields, he said, adding thatthe two countries could cooperate in the preparation of the Olympic Games since Athens and Beijing will respectively host the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

¡¡¡¡He believed Athens and Beijing will explore new ways of cooperation in the preparation of the Olympic Games.

¡¡¡¡Simitis said the EU,which upholds a multipolar world, hopes todevelop closer and more extensive relations with China. The EU is willing to join efforts with China to further expand their cooperation of mutual benefit.

¡¡¡¡During his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien,Hu said the Chinese new leadership will continue its efforts to develop the friendly relations with Canada.

¡¡¡¡The two leaders also exchanged views on the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). President Hu said he is confident that China is capable of containing the epidemic.

¡¡¡¡Chretien, who spoke highly of China's progress in controlling the spread of SARS, agreed to strengthen medical and scientific cooperation between the two sides so as to win the battle against SARS. Enditem