Romanian President Ion Iliescu said Monday that Romania's friendly relations with China have been developing smoothly regardless of changes in international and domestic situations.

Iliescu made the remarks during a meeting with Liang Guanglie, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The president said Liang's visit will help promote the military ties of the two countries and Romania will boost military cooperation with China.

The Chinese military chief said the Chinese army is willing to work with the Romanian armed forces to push forward their friendly military relations to a new stage.

Liang arrived in Bucharest Saturday for a two-day visit after completing his travels to Russia, France and Britain.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2004)