China to advance communication, coordination with Bulgaria: Chinese premier

China stands ready to further communication and coordination with Bulgaria within the framework for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Saturday.

During a meeting with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, Li said China and Bulgaria enjoy a traditional friendship, which garners healthy momentum of development and vibrant mutually beneficial cooperation.

China is willing to deepen with Bulgaria the alignment of each other's development plans, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and intensify personnel exchanges, Li added.

He voiced his hope that Bulgaria will continue to play an active role in propelling relations between China and the European Union.

While adhering to an independent and peaceful foreign policy and a path featuring peaceful development, China is ready to enhance cooperation with other countries all over the world, including Bulgaria, to jointly safeguard global peace and stability and promote common development and prosperity, said the premier.

For his part, Plevneliev said he is proud and happy to see the positive progresses made in bilateral relations.

Speaking highly of China's adherence to peaceful development, generations of Bulgarian leaders have been committed to promoting the development of bilateral ties, with a firm belief that China's development path is conducive to the whole world, he said.

Bulgaria is willing to further enhance exchanges at different levels and cooperation in various fields with China, said Plevneliev, adding that his country supports deepened cooperation between CEE countries and China.

His country is willing to play a leading role in developing relations with China in the international community, said the Bulgarian president. Endi