Chinese Premier Arrives in Bulgaria on Official Visit

Bulgarian Premier Kostov welcomes Zhu Rongji

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji arrived in Sofia of Bulgaria Tuesday on an official visit to Bulgaria.

During his stay in Sofia, Zhu will meet with Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov, Prime Minister Ivan Kostov, Parliament Speaker Iordan Sokolov to discuss political, economic and trade cooperation, regional situation and other international issues of common concern, the premier said in a written speech delivered at the airport.

Zhu expressed the belief that his visit will contribute to strengthening mutual understanding, broadening consensus, deepening friendship and promoting the continued, sound and stable development of bilateral relations in the new century.

He said China respects the path of development chosen by the Bulgarian people and Bulgaria's policies formulated in accordance with the country's realities.

Zhu wished Bulgaria success in maintaining social stability, developing the economy and raising the people's standard of living.

He noted that Bulgaria was the second country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China after its birth in 1949 and that the exchanges and cooperation between the two peoples date back to ancient times.

Despite great changes over recent years within and outside the two countries, the friendly cooperation between China and Bulgaria has witnessed continued consolidation and development, he said.

Bulgaria is the first leg of the Chinese premier's tour of six European nations and the headquarters of the European Union.

From Bulgaria, Zhu will travel on to Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium.