China, Bulgaria announce all-round friendly partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev in Beijing on Monday and the two leaders announced the establishment of an all-round friendly partnership between the two countries.

"The two sides have decided to set up an all-round friendly partnership in order to cement the traditional friendship and promote the comprehensive cooperation between China and Bulgaria as well as make more contribution to world peace and development," says a communique issued after the two presidents' talks at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

A red-carpet ceremony was held to welcome the visiting leader before the talks.

Plevneliev arrived in China on Sunday for a four-day state visit at Xi's invitation.

During Monday's talks, Xi hailed the smooth development of bilateral ties and the time-tested friendship between China and Bulgaria.

The two countries established diplomatic relations on Oct. 4, 1949.

The two countries should boost cooperation and work together to achieve their respective goals of development, Xi said, adding that the establishment of the partnership will set the direction for the future of the China-Bulgaria relationship.

Plevneliev said he admires China for its great achievement of development and believes that the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation will benefit the whole world as well as the Chinese people.

Bulgaria regards China as its most important partner in Asia, Plevneliev said, adding that his administration stands ready to expand reciprocal cooperation and further step up bilateral ties as the two sides observe the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

According to the communique, the two sides shall respect each other's path of development, support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, and boost cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, trade, culture, education and tourism.

The two sides agreed to increase communication and coordination on global and regional affairs.

During the talks, Xi said China is confident of Europe's prospects, and cooperation between China and central and eastern European countries is an important component of China-Europe ties. The cooperation helps to promote development of China and central and eastern countries, and is also beneficial to the all-round and balanced growth of China-Europe relations, Xi said.

Bulgaria is a reliable and good friend of China in the European Union, Plevneliev said, vowing that his country would make a greater contribution to boosting Europe-China ties.

Plevneliev said he appreciates China's move to boost cooperation with central and eastern Europe, adding that he is committed to participating in the process.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of four documents, including those regarding maritime transport and setting up cultural centers. Enditem