国内英语新闻:China proposes more cooperation with central, east European countries

BUDAPEST, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a five-point proposal here Saturday to enhance China's cooperation with countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

When delivering a speech at the China-Central and East European Countries Economic and Trade Forum, Wen said China cherished its longstanding and deep friendship with the countries in the region.

"Over the past several decades, although the international situation and the domestic situations of both sides have undergone big changes, we have always enjoyed mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual understanding and mutual support," Wen said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addresses the China-Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum in Budapest, Hungary, June 25, 2011.

He said cooperation in various fields between the two sides had made tremendous progress, referring to the rapid growth of two-way trade, the burgeoning of mutual investment, the expansion of cooperation areas and the improvement of cooperation mechanisms.

China encouraged its companies to "go global" and saw Central and Eastern Europe as a strategic priority, the Chinese leader said, adding that his current visit was "both a journey of friendship and a journey of cooperation."