Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu on Monday met with Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu to discuss the development of good relations between the two countries.

 

Conveying greetings from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Tariceanu, Hui said that the traditional China-Romania friendship has come through great changes since the two countries established diplomatic relations more than five decades ago.

 

In recent years, Hui said, the leaders of both countries have maintained close contact, witnessing a steady expansion of cooperation in trade, economic ties and cultural exchanges.

 

Hui expressed his appreciation of Romania's adherence to the one-China policy, and congratulated Romania on its accession to the EU.

 

Tariceanu told Hui that Romania has very good relations with China, with a series of high-level exchanges conducted in recent years to boost friendly ties and full cooperation between the two countries.

 

Romania appreciates China's active role in world affairs and gives priority to the development of ties with China, he said, adding his country is ready to raise the level of cooperation with China in energy, transportation and agriculture.

 

The Romanian prime minister said his country's accession to the EU brings about a new opportunity for cooperation. Romania is ready to act as a bridge for the development of ties between China and the European bloc, he added.

 

Hui left Beijing on Sunday for official visits to the Netherlands, Ukraine, Romania and Serbia.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2007)