China has praised Bulgaria's contribution in safeguarding security and stability in southeast Europe and boosting regional cooperation, according to a joint statement issued by the two countries on Thursday.

 

According to the statement, the two countries vowed to strengthen cooperation and take collective measures to deal with issues such as terrorism, cross-border crimes, epidemics and natural disasters.

 

Both sides expressed "serious concern" over the nuclear test launched by North Korea and the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia, the statement said.

 

The two countries called for related parties to adhere to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and settle relevant issues through dialogues.

 

Bulgaria welcomes and supports China's important role in the six-party talks, it said.

 

With regard to UN reform, the two countries affirmed the UN's irreplaceable role in safeguarding world security and promoting common development. They pledged to carry out constructive cooperation within the framework of the UN and other international and regional organizations.

 

Both China and Bulgaria are in favor of enhancing the UN's role and authority through necessary and reasonable UN reforms, the statement said.

 

The two countries condemned terrorism and called on the UN to play a leading role in combating terrorism.

 

The joint statement was inked during Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev's official visit to China from November 19 to 23.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2006)