China and Bulgaria will boost bilateral relations, especially in the economic and trade sectors, leaders of the two countries said in Sofia Tuesday.

In a meeting with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing relations with Bulgaria and will boost them on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Parvanov said bilateral relations has developed in recent years, featuring broader cooperation in economy and trade.

Earlier on Monday when meeting with Bulgarian Vice Prime Minister and Economic Minister Lidia Shouleva, Hui said the Chinese government supports Chinese enterprises to develop business with their Bulgarian counterparts.

Shouleva said boosting cooperation in this field will benefit both counties, and the Bulgarian government will provide favorable conditions for Chinese enterprises' investment in Bulgaria.

Hui arrived in Sofia Monday for a two-day working visit.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2004)