A visiting Chinese leader met with Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov Friday to discuss bilateral relations.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the decision-making Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria56 years ago, the two countries have witnessed profound changes in the international and domestic circumstances, but the traditional friendship, friendly and cooperative relationships between the two countries has been maintained and improved continuously.

In recent years, exchanges of visits by top officials of the two countries occurred frequently, while the governmental, political party, parliamentary, nongovernmental and regional exchanges between the two countries have become closer, Li said.

During their meeting, Li also praised Bulgaria's positive contribution to the development of bilateral relations and its persistent adherence to the one-China policy. Li also hoped Bulgaria could play an important role in the region, even in the global arena.

Parvanov said Li's visit would contribute to boosting the development of traditional friendship between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Bulgaria has always given priority to improving relations with China in developing international relations, he said.

In recent years, the cooperation between two countries' government departments or in all fields has made great achievements, while economic and trade relation enjoys continuous development, he said.

The coordination and collaboration between China and Bulgaria in dealing with international affairs and in international organizations, such as the United Nations, are also effective, he added.

In the current circumstances, the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries has huge potentials to develop and broaden, and Bulgaria would like to make joint efforts with China, Parvanov said.

Parvanov reiterated that Bulgaria would adhere to the one-China policy and that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China.

He said Bulgaria would continue its support for China's unification and hoped Chinese President Hu Jintao could pay a visit to Bulgaria at a convenient time.

Li arrived in Sofia on Thursday night to begin his official goodwill visit to Bulgaria.

Source: Xinhua