On November 5, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev on the sidelines of the ninth annual Asia-Europe Meeting in Vientiane.
Wen said during his meeting with Monti that the European Union (EU) has taken several major measures to deal with the European debt problems while Italy has actively advanced its financial reform and economic revitalization plan. All of which, Wen said, bolstered hope and confidence of Europe and the international community. Wen said China supports the EU to make more effective efforts and proposed talks for large-scale bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, finance, technology and other areas. Italy, an influential member of the EU, has a splendid culture and strong ability for innovation, Wen said. He added that China is ready to enhance its cooperation with Italy to continue tackling the international financial crisis and strengthen the China-Italy and China-EU relationships.
Monti said Italy highly appreciates and remains very grateful for China's sustained confidence in the EU's economy and the Euro. He said Italy also appreciates China's precious support and help to the EU and Italy in overcoming the European debt crisis. Italy is undertaking structural reform, with its economic and financial condition significantly improved, Monti said. He added that Italy would like to strengthen its cooperation with China in the trade and financial sectors and be a sincere friend with China to achieve mutual benefits and a win-win result.
During talks with Plevneliev, Wen said Bulgaria was one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 63 years ago, Wen said, they have respected and treated each other on the basis of equality, with their traditional friendship continuously cemented. Bulgaria's persistence in opening up its markets for foreign investments during the international financial crisis provides favorable conditions for Bulgaria and China to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, Wen said. The Chinese government encourages Chinese businesses to invest in Bulgaria and expects to intensify negotiations on nailing down and implementing relative programs within the framework of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe, he said. Wen called on both countries to enhance their political, cultural and social communications to push forward bilateral friendly relations comprehensively.
Plevneliev said that with deep traditional friendship and solid political mutual trust, Bulgaria and China are long-term reliable partners. Bulgaria has strong intentions to further develop relations with China and is willing to strengthen communications and map out comprehensive cooperation in various areas, he said. Bulgaria welcomes Chinese enterprises to expand investments on its soil and will provide convenience in this regard, the president said.
