Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, said in Beijing Wednesday that China respects the wishes of the Bulgarian government to join the European Union, and appreciates its consistent one-China policy.
Li said during a meeting with Ognyan Gerdjikov, chairman of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, and his delegation that China and Bulgaria have enjoyed close friendship over the years. The two sides have worked together well in economics and other areas.
Scores of entrepreneurs accompanying Gerdjikov attended the meeting with Li, who added that said their contact with Chinese businessmen during the trip will help strengthen friendly China-Bulgaria ties.
The top Chinese legislator also stressed the importance of boosting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' parliaments.
Gerdjikov said China is a priority in Bulgarian foreign relations with Asia. The Bulgarian parliament will continue to work to help the development of Bulgaria-China relations.
The Bulgarian delegation visited Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province and Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, before arriving in Beijing. Gerdjikov said his delegation was deeply impressed with what they saw.
(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2002)
|