China and Bulgaria sealed an economic co-operation deal in Beijing yesterday and pledged to further enhance bilateral exchanges in all fields and at various levels.

No details about what the deal will cover were made available.

The announcement came during a five-day visit by Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev. It was his first official visit to China since taking office last year. He arrived on Sunday.

During a one-hour meeting with the visiting Bulgarian leader, Premier Wen Jiabao spoke highly of the long-term friendship between the two countries, noting that there were no unsettled issues between China and the Balkan nation.

Wen said China was willing to take active measures to increase imports from Bulgaria and would support and encourage two-way investment to deepen economic co-operation between the two countries.

Wen also congratulated Stanishev on Bulgaria's upcoming accession to the European Union (EU), set to take place in January.

The visiting prime minister thanked Wen, saying his country would contribute to the development of the EU-China strategic partnership. He said his country was willing to serve as a bridge for Chinese enterprises to expand their presence in the European market.

As for bilateral trade, Stanishev expressed a desire to build up joint ventures and improve trade structures.

The Bulgarian prime minister had earlier noted that Chinese investment in Bulgaria had shifted from sectors like trade and restaurants to areas like light industry and household appliances.

Major trade and economic workshops will take place Beijing and Shanghai during the five-day visit.

Referring to the situation in the Balkan Peninsula, Wen said China believed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful negotiations. He said China would join hands with Bulgaria to help create long-term peace and stability in the region.

Source: China Daily