Liang, also a member of the Central Military Commission of Communist Party of China (CPC), said the two countries and armed forces have a long-standing friendship, and believed that Popescu's visit will further promote mutual understanding, trust and friendly cooperation between the two sides.

Joint efforts and frequent exchanges, including those between high-ranking officials, have cemented the friendship, he said, stressing China is willing to upgrade friendly cooperative relations to a new level in the new century.

China appreciates the Romanian government's firm adherence to the one-China principle, and its support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, he stressed.

He also briefed the guests on the 16th National Congress of the CPC and China's national and military development.

Popescu said the Romanian government values its friendship with China, adding that military exchanges in various fields have boosted the common development of the two armed forces.

The armed forces of Romania will make efforts to boost the development of friendly and cooperative relations with their Chinese counterparts and the government will unswervingly support the one-China principle, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2002)