Li calls for efforts to advance China-Romania friendship

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds talks with his Romanian counterpart Victor Ponta in Bucharest, Romania, Nov. 25, 2013. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed in Bucharest on Monday that his country and Romania make concerted efforts on multiple tracks to further deepen their friendly ties and practical cooperation.[Special coverage]

The China-Romania relationship has been developing smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1949, despite the profound changes in the international situation, Li said during talks with his Romanian counterpart, Victor Ponta.

As the coming year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the inauguration of the China-Romania comprehensive, friendly and cooperative partnership, Beijing hopes that the two sides seize the moment to further promote their friendship and cooperation, Li added.

Noting that the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee earlier this month reaffirmed the party's commitment to deepening reform and expanding the scope of China's opening-up, Li said the development of China-Romania relations is now blessed with new opportunities.

First, the two countries need to expand their energy cooperation -- which accords with the needs of both countries -- and properly carry out relevant bilateral deals, proposed the premier.

Second, the two sides should expand cooperation in the construction of railway and other infrastructure, Li added, urging the two sides to combine Romania's needs for better infrastructure and China's advantages in railway technology, construction cost and financing to upgrade Romania's railway system and promote regional interconnectivity.

Third, Li called for more Romanian exports of agricultural and animal products to China, saying Beijing is willing to import more high-quality beef and mutton from Romania and strengthen long-term cooperation in the area.

In addition, the two sides need to boost people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the social foundation of bilateral relations, so as to help pass on the China-Romania friendship from generation to generation, Li suggested.

On the cooperation between China and countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Li said the economic development of China and that of CEE countries are highly complementary.

Calling Romania an active participant in and champion of China-CEE cooperation, Li said he will make concerted efforts with Ponta to ensure a productive meeting of Chinese and CEE leaders on Tuesday.

On the broader China-European Union (EU) cooperation, Li said China firmly supports the European integration process and is willing to embrace a Europe of solidarity, prosperity and development as well as a robust euro.

China, he said, stands ready to work with Romania to strive for new progress in the development of China-CEE cooperation and China-EU relations.

For his part, Ponta called China Romania's special partner and friend, saying Li's visit is of historic significance and will push the bilateral relationship forward into a new phase of development.

Romania, he added, is willing to beef up cooperation with China in such areas as trade, power and railway, drum up bilateral people-to-people exchanges, and support each other on regional and global affairs.

Noting that CEE-China cooperation is conducive to the development of CEE countries, Ponta said Romania will do its best in hosting the CEE-China leaders' meeting.

Romania is willing to serve as China's gateway to Europe and play a contributive role in promoting CEE-China cooperation and the broader EU-China relationship, added the prime minister.

During their talks, the two leaders decided to set up working groups for talks on major cooperation projects in such areas as railway and energy.

After their talks, they witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral cooperation deals covering trade, investment, culture, energy and other areas.

Li arrived in Bucharest on Monday afternoon for an official visit to Romania and the second China-CEE leaders' meeting. He will later travel to the Uzbek capital of Tashkent for a prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.