国内英语新闻:China, Romania pledge to cement friendship, enhance cooperation

BUCHAREST, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China values its ties with Romania and is willing to work with the Romanian people to enhance cooperation and cement friendship.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with people from all walks of life in Romania, including parliament leaders, government officials, former ambassadors to China and others.

    The Chinese and the Romanian people enjoy profound friendship, Xi said. They have respected and supported each other and treated each other on an equal footing since the two countries established diplomatic ties 60 years ago.

Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (C) addresses a seminar marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Romania, in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 20, 2009.

    He said the Chinese people will not forget the sympathy, support and assistance the Romanian people have offered to China in the early years of new China, in China's efforts to restore its legitimate seat in the United Nations, or other issues that bear on China's core interest and major concerns.

Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (C Back) addresses a seminar marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Romania, in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 20, 2009

 Xi cited the example of Romania's assistance last year when China was hit by a devastating earthquake and other natural disasters.

    Likewise, China has offered within its power, support and assistance to Romania when its people were in need, he added.

    Xi noted that China-Romania relations have set a good example of state-to-state relations. He attributed the sound development of bilateral ties to the unremitting efforts by people devoted to promoting friendly relation between the two countries.

    For his part, Adrian Nastase, Romanian vice president of Chamber of Deputies and former prime minister, said the Romanian people would not forget the precious help and support from China at different times.

    Maintaining friendly ties with China has been a priority for Romania's foreign policy no matter which party takes power, Nastase said, reiterating the country's willingness to make joint efforts with China and carry on their friendship from generation to generation.

    After hearing speeches by participants at the meeting, the Chinese vice president said the gathering was intended to show that the Chinese people cherish their friendship with Romanians and the Chinese government values its relations with Romania.

    China is ready to join hands with Romania to enhance their cooperation of mutual benefit and promote their traditional friendship, Xi said.

    He also encouraged the participants to contribute more to promoting China-Romania friendship so as to create a bright future for bilateral ties.

    Xi arrived here Sunday on an official visit to Romania, which was the last leg of his five-nation European tour.