Chinese FM holds talks with Bulgarian counterpart

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that China is ready to be Bulgaria's partner in promoting Eurasian connectivity, pursuing common development and revitalization, and practicing multilateralism.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova.

He noted that Bulgaria is one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China, and the two countries have maintained friendly relations over the years.

He said China-Bulgaria relations are embracing important opportunities, and his visit to Bulgaria comes at an opportune time.

The two sides held in-depth discussions on planning high-level exchanges of the next stage and advancing practical cooperation in various fields, and have reached broad consensus, he added.

Wang said the two sides should continuously consolidate the political foundation and strengthen communication and coordination to create important conditions for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

China respects Bulgaria's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is glad to see Bulgaria accelerate the achievement of development goals under the leadership of its new government, Wang said, adding that China is willing to be Bulgaria's long-term and reliable strategic partner in this process.

He also expressed the hope that Bulgaria will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and understand and support China's legitimate position of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wang said China is ready to be Bulgaria's partner in promoting Eurasian connectivity, pursuing common development and revitalization, and practicing multilateralism.

The two sides should coordinate efforts to promote the joint building of the Belt and Road, the alignment with the Middle Corridor, and the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) and between China and the European Union (EU), so as to form a joint force and promote their respective development, he added.

Wang emphasized that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and their relationship brings opportunities to each other rather than challenges.

The two sides should respect and appreciate each other, pursue common achievements and jointly shoulder international responsibilities for world peace and development, he said.

China hopes the EU will work with China to uphold the correct direction of opening-up, hold high the banner of free trade, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and find ways to handle differences and solve problems through dialogue and consultation, Wang said.