VISIT TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES

Speaking at the Romanian Parliament, Li outlined a four-point proposal to reinforce China-Romania ties.

First, the two sides should respect each other, take care of each other's major concerns and expand the converging points of their interests, said Li, adding that the two countries should create new prospect for bilateral ties by taking the chance of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Romania diplomatic ties next year.

Second, efforts should be made to expand bilateral trade, lift industrial cooperation level and promote balanced trade development.

Li proposed the two countries can jointly build an economic and technological park to create favorable conditions for bilateral investment.

Third, both sides should improve cooperation by creating large cooperation projects.

China has advanced equipment and manufacturing capacities in many sectors. Cooperation between China and Romania in those areas could bring about mutual benefit and win-win results, said Li, expressing the willingness to joint hands with Romania in strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy and high-speed railways.

China supports its enterprises to launch cooperation with Romania in infrastructure construction, said Li, adding that China is willing to work together with Romania to make tangible progress in major projects.

Fourth, China and Romania should cement and expand current cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges to pass on China-Romania friendship to the next generation.

The two countries have agreed to cooperate on building high-speed railways in Romania on the first day of Li's visit. The two sides also reached comprehensive consensus on deepening cooperation in such fields as trade, energy and infrastructure.

Bogdan Chirieac, a renowned political analyst, said the Chinese premier's visit could be a chance for Romania.

"If the government led by Ponta takes advantage of this opportunity and fructify this visit, we would quickly get rid of the crises, if not by next year, certainly by 2015," Chirieac said.

Hailing Li's visit to Romania, President Basescu also said Li's trip could help lift China-Romania ties and China-CEE cooperation to a new stage. He said Romania is willing to expand cooperation with China in various areas and continues to play a positive role in promoting cooperation between China and CEE countries.

His words were echoed by Cui, who said enhanced China-Romania relations will set an example for bilateral relations between China and other CEE countries.

"Bilateral engagement, such as cooperation between China and Romania, would most certainly serve as a driving force for the improvement of China-CEE ties," Cui told Xinhua, adding that the visit will also deepen the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership as well.