China, Bulgaria announce all-round friendly partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev here on Monday and the two leaders announced the establishment of an all-round friendly partnership between the two countries. "The two sides have decided to set up an all-round friendly partnership in order to cement the traditional friendship and promote the comprehensive cooperation between China and Bulgaria as well as make more contribution to world peace and development," says a communique issued after the two presidents' talks at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing. A red-carpet ceremony was held to welcome the visiting leader before the talks. Plevneliev arrived in China on Sunday for a four-day state visit at Xi's invitation. During Monday's talks, Xi hailed the smooth development of bilateral ties and the time-tested friendship between China and Bulgaria. The two countries established diplomatic relations on Oct. 4, 1949. The two countries should boost cooperation and work together to achieve their respective goals of development, Xi said, adding that the establishment of the partnership will set the direction for the future of the China-Bulgaria relationship.