Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao(L) holds a welcoming ceremony for the visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev in Beijing, Nov. 20, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev on Monday, pledging to further enhance trade cooperation between the two countries.

"China will take measures to expand imports from Bulgaria and hopes Bulgaria will actively explore China's market," said Premier Wen.

Wen said China encourages two-way investment and support cooperation of the middle and small-sized enterprises between the two countries.

On the eve of Bulgaria's accession to the European Union (EU) on Jan. 1, 2007, China hopes Bulgarian will become a force to advance China-EU relations.

The situations in the western Balkan region are concerned with peace and stability in southeast Europe and Europe at large, said Wen.

China insists that the sovereignty and territorial integrity in the western Balkan countries should be respected and the equal rights of all nationalities should be guaranteed, said Wen, adding that differences should be solved peacefully through dialogue.

Stanishev, who started an official visit to China on Sunday, promised to work with China to increase mutual investment and set up joint ventures to push forward bilateral trade cooperation in a comprehensive and balanced manner.

Stanishev appreciated the importance role China has played in regional and international affairs, saying Bulgaria will make joint efforts with China to promote peace and stability in the region.

Bulgaria is willing to serve as a bridge via which Chinese businesses could enter Europe, said Stanishev, vowing to contribute to China-EU relations.

Stanishev reiterated Bulgaria's adherence to one-China policy.

Premier Wen and Stanishev signed a joint statement after their talks.

Also on Monday, Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong met with Stanishev, saying China is ready to work with Bulgaria to keep high-level exchanges, expand pragmatic cooperation to lift bilateral relations to a new height.

Editor: Donald