China, Romania pledge closer relationship

BEIJING, Sept. 2  -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Romanian Prime Minister Victor-Viorel Ponta in Beijing on Tuesday with both parties pledging to boost bilateral ties.

Hailing the traditional China-Romania friendship, Xi said China highly appreciates Romania's firm support on issues involving China's core interests and major concern.

As this year marks the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the tenth anniversary of their comprehensive, friendly and cooperative partnership, Xi said he looks forward to new progress of the bilateral relationship in the future.

Briefing Ponta on China's ongoing overall reform, Xi said the Chinese people are confident of being able to overcome challenges and spurring the economy in a sustainable and healthy way, which will also help drive global economic growth.

"China welcomes all countries to China's express train of development where we can share opportunities and achieve development together," said the Chinese leader, stressing the Chinese are willing to join hands with Romania in pursuit of each's beautiful dreams.

Recalling his visit to Europe in March, Xi said he and leaders of the European Union (EU) have agreed to build partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization and bridge the two powers, the two markets as well as the two civilizations.

Romania is a good friend of China in the EU and important member in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), Xi said, adding that China and Romania should implement the consensus reached on the China-EU level and the China-CEEC level to further cement their friendship and boost cooperation bilaterally.

Ponta said Romania is proud of the traditional friendship with China and admires the Communist Party of China for its leading the Chinese people on the socialist path.

Romania values China's important role in promoting world peace and development and will continue to firmly support China's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said the visiting prime minister.

Ponta said China's development has provided Romania with great opportunities and Romania looks forward to more people-to-people exchanges and closer cooperation with China.

As China's friend in the EU, Romania stands ready to make contribution to the development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership as well as the China-CEEC cooperation, said the prime minister.

Ponta was paying an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang from Sunday to Tuesday.