Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin said on Tuesday that he is satisfied with the smooth development of Moldova-China relations in recent years.

The intensified cooperation in various fields shows that both countries have attached great importance to the bilateral relations, said Voronin while presenting an honorary medal to outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Moldova, Xu Zhongkai, in the presidential palace in Chisinau.

Moldova, with a population of 4.28 million, became independent in August 1991 and established diplomatic relationship with China in January 1992.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2005)