Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Beijing on Tuesday with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on the sidelines of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Hu said Parvanov is an old friend of the Chinese people and has long been dedicated to promoting China-Bulgaria relations.

Halfway into the Beijing Olympics, Hu said worldwide athletes, including the Bulgarians, have demonstrated superb athletic skills. "With the concerted efforts from the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family, we believe the Beijing Games will be a distinctive and high-level sports rally."

Parvanov said he has witnessed China's rapid economic and cultural development.

Bulgaria, as one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China after its founding in 1949, remains unchanged in its policy of friendship toward China, said Parvanov.

The Bulgarian president arrived in Beijing on Saturday.

Source:Xinhua