China's top political advisor holds talks with Romanian Senate president

BUCHAREST, May 5 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin held talks with President of the Romanian Senate Nicolae Vacaroiu here Monday and the two sides reached a wide-ranging consensus on further advancing bilateral relations.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), spoke highly of the development of China-Romania relations.

Noting that Romania was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with new China, Jia said bilateral relations have stood the test of time and fast-changing international situations, adding that the development of bilateral relations still maintains a strong momentum.

In recent years, leaders of the two countries have maintained regular dialogues, thus helping boost political trust and giving a powerful impetus to bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Jia attributed the continuous growth of bilateral relations to the attention and care given by leaders of several generations, as well as the joint efforts of the governments and peoples of both countries.

The next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, which will be a milestone in the history of bilateral relations, Jia said. He expressed the hope that the two countries would take this opportunity to turn a new page in China-Romania relations.

Jia said the CPPCC has maintained a close cooperative relationship with the Senate of Romania. The two sides have maintained a regular exchange of visits by their leaders, while their specialized committees have carried out frequent exchanges.

Jia said the CPPCC places importance on expanding friendly relations with the Romanian Senate. The two sides should step up exchanges in a bid to learn from each other's experience in legislation.

Vacaroiu said Romania and China enjoy a close relationship and that the peoples of the two countries share a long-standing friendship. Bilateral relations have been growing smoothly in recent years, he said.

Vacaroiu said leaders of the two countries have maintained regular dialogues, while the legislatures of the two countries have carried out continuous exchanges.

The two countries have conducted vigorous cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and culture and maintained close cooperation on international issues, Vacaroiu said.

All these efforts have greatly helped promote bilateral ties, he said.

Vacaroiu said Romania regards China as a true friend and sincere partner for cooperation. He pledged continued efforts to consolidate the traditional friendship, expand trade and economic cooperation and push for the development of bilateral ties.

Vacaroiu spoke highly of China's achievements in the past three decades, as China has been carrying out the policy of reform and opening up. He also expressed his appreciation for the huge effort the Chinese government and people have made in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Jia also briefed the host about the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue and issues concerning Tibet.

Vacaroiu said the Romanian government and parliament will always firmly adhere to the one China policy, believing that Taiwan and Tibet are inseparable parts of China. He expressed the wish for an early reunification of China.

Jia thanked the Romanian side for its firm stance on issues concerning China's sovereignty and core interests.

After the talks, Jia and Vacaroiu attended the signing ceremony for a number of agreements and contracts between the two governments and companies of the two countries.

Jia arrived in Bucharest Sunday for an official goodwill visit to Romania, the first leg of his four-nation Europe tour. Jia is also scheduled to visit Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia.