At a meeting with Liu Yandong, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Romanian President Ion Iliescu Thursday said cooperation has been fruitful in various fields and that there have been political dialogue at high levels since the two countries established diplomatic ties 55 years ago.

He said Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Romania this year has laid the foundation for the further development of relations.

Liu said bilateral relations have stood the test of time and traditional friendship remains intact despite rapid changes in the international situation.

China cherishes the friendship and is willing to bring it to a new level, she said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2004)