Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao proposed on Monday to consolidate the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and East European countries.

Hu told the Romanian Parliament that China and Romania have agreed to strengthen their all-around friendly and cooperative partnership.

Speaking of China's relations with East European countries, Hu said the two sides should increase friendly contacts, expand trade cooperation, promote cultural exchanges and enhance international cooperation.

Hu also explained China's stand on ways to promote peace and development in the world.

Hu, who arrived in Romania on Saturday for a three-day state visit, will leave on Monday afternoon for Uzbekistan, the last leg of his four-nation trip.

(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2004)