Chinese leaders vow deeper collaboration with Bulgaria

BEIJING, Jan. 14 -- Chinese leaders on Tuesday pledged to seek stronger collaboration with Bulgaria, in areas ranging from infrastructure and agriculture to science and tourism.

"The economies of China and Bulgaria complement each other and boast broad prospects for cooperation," Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in a meeting with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev.

Plevneliev, on a four-day state visit, is the first head of state to visit China in 2014.

His visit coincided with the 65th anniversary of China-Bulgaria diplomatic relations being established.

Li said China has advanced technologies and rich experience in high-speed rail, highways, nuclear power and hydropower and would like to play a part in Bulgarian infrastructure construction.

China is in favor of the two countries working more closely in agriculture, science and education and tourism, and expects Bulgaria to create good conditions for Chinese investors and facilitate visa procedures for Chinese tourists, Li added.

He underscored China's commitment to cooperating with central and western European countries, pledging to implement leaders' consensus and work for the Chinese and central and western Europeans.

Li also called for all-round and balanced development of China-Europe relations.