As part of his official trip to Beijing for the Olympics, Bulgarian president Georgi Purvanov has met with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, the press service of the Presidency said in a statement.
The Chinese president thanked Purvanov, whom he greeted as an old friend of China, for the valuable help Bulgaria had given to his country after the disastrous May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province. As part of this aid, 42 Chinese children from the affected province are currently spending their summer holiday in Bulgaria.
During their talks, the two heads of state assessed the condition of bilateral relations. Purvanov reminded that Bulgaria was the second country in the world to have recognised independent China and confirmed Bulgaria's support for the reunification of the country. The two noted the high level of active political dialogue between their countries and the fast increase of the trade, which is more than one billion dollars (678 million euro) and growing.
Purvanov and Jintao voiced their conviction Bulgaria's membership in the European Union presented new opportunities to develop the comprehensive co-operation and partnership with China. An important role in that direction will be the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) happening in October 2008 in Beijing, which Purvanov will attend.
Another focus of the meeting were the forthcoming celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Bulgarian-Chinese relations that is to be held in 2009, the press service of the Presidency said. The two countries envisage a number of initiatives to mark the anniversary, among which holding business forums, cultral events and tourist bourses.
The two ascertained the good co-operation between Bulgaria and China in international organisations and discussed the Bulgarian candidature for the post of UNESCO's next director-general, who is to be elected in 2009.
Purvanov greeted Jintao on the perfect organisation of the Olympic Games and on the Chinese athletes' achievements. He invited him to visit Bulgaria in 2009, an invitation Jintao accepted.
