Romanian President Ion Iliescu said in Bucharest Monday that his country attaches great importance to political and economic cooperation with China. 

Iliescu made the remark while meeting a Chinese women's delegation, headed by Gu Xiulian, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress and president of All-China Women's Federation.

The Romanian president said he appreciates the increasingly important role Chinese women are playing in China's development and hopes women from both countries would strengthen their exchanges and cooperation to promote the development of the women's cause.

During his a meeting with Gu on the same day, Chairman of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies Valer Dorneanu said he has been closely following the situation in Taiwan and understands Chinese people's aspirations for national reunification.

China is a most trustworthy friend to Romania, Dorneanu said, adding that China's policy of reform and opening up is a wise choice and its rapid economic development has turned the country into an important power in the international community.

For her part, Gu expressed her thanks for Romania's long-term observance of the one-China principle and hoped Romania will continue to support China's reunification drive.

The Chinese women's delegation, which arrived here on March 25 for a five-day visit, also met with Romanian Chairman of Senate Nicolae Vacaroiu.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2004)