State Councilor Liu Yandong said on Thursday that China would increase educational, scientific and technological cooperation with Bulgaria.

She made the remarks when meeting with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Science Daniel Vulchev.

China valued cooperation with Bulgaria in these areas and hoped to increase exchanges at research institutes and colleges, Liu said.

"China regards Bulgaria as a credible good friend and partner in the European Union," she noted.

After the May 12 earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province, more than 40 primary and middle-school children from the quake zone were invited to spend time recovering in Bulgaria in August.

"We are grateful and appreciative," Liu said.

Vulchev's delegation was invited by the Ministry of Education.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2008)