Li calls for closer China-Romania parliamentary exchanges

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with Romanian Senate President Crin Antonescu in Bucharest, Romania, Nov. 27, 2013. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday proposed that the legislatures of his country and Romania boost exchanges and cooperation so as to help pass on the bilateral friendship from generation to generation. [Special coverage]

Although China and Romania are far apart, they enjoy a time-honored profound friendship, treat each other equally, and have amicable relations between their peoples, Li said when meeting with President of the Senate Crin Antonescu.

These traditions are the most valuable treasure shared by the two countries and a robust foundation for the sustained development of China-Romania relations, the premier added.

Noting that the two sides made important progress in their cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, energy and agriculture, he said these achievements will bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

However, he pointed out, the China-Romania all-dimensional cooperation is not confined to the levels of government and party, and it also entails closer parliamentary exchanges.

The premier urged the lawmakers of both countries, especially the young ones, to boost exchanges, deepen mutual understanding, and play a contributive role in strengthening China-Romania relations. ' While meeting with Valeriu Zgonea, president of the Chamber of Deputies, Li noted that the Chinese and Romanian legislatures have maintained good relations and carried out diverse exchange programs.

Li called upon the legislators of both countries to bring into full play their unique role in order to advance sub-national and people-to-people exchanges and build more public support for the development of bilateral ties.

Beijing, said Li, stands ready to work together with Romania to hold proper celebrations next year for the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and demonstrate to the world their commitment to further promoting the China-Romania partnership.

The two parliamentary leaders said that Li's trip, which includes an official visit to Romania and the attendance at a leaders' meeting of China and Central and Eastern European countries, are a landmark event of historic significance in the history of bilateral relations.

China is Romania's best friend in Asia, and Romania is China's best friend in the European Union, they said, adding that it is Romania's diplomatic priority to foster the friendship with China.

Romania, they said, is willing to make concerted efforts with China to properly implement the agreements reached during the visit and the leaders' meeting, boost bilateral win-win cooperation, and lift their relations to higher levels.

They pledged that the Romanian parliament will rev up exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese side and make more contribution to the development of the Romania-China friendship.