Ukraine has always been a sincere friend and reliable partner of China, visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said when he met with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on Thursday.

The Sino-Ukrainian relations have been continuously strengthened since the two countries established diplomatic ties 15 years ago, Hui said. He added that China appreciates Ukraine's support on the issues of Taiwan and Tibet.

China will further deepen cooperation in economy, technology and agriculture, and will promote exchanges in education, culture, sports and tourism between the two countries, Hui said.

President Yushchenko also spoke highly of the Ukraine-China strategic relationship, saying the two sides' sound political ties are an important base for cooperation in all fields, and Ukraine will maintain the high-ranking exchanges between two countries and enhance political mutual trust.

At the invitation of Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Victor Slauta, Hui arrived in Kiev on Wednesday for a visit. Ukraine is the second stop on his four-nation Europe tour, which has taken him to the Netherlands. He will visit Romania and Serbia afterwards.

Source: Xinhua