Daniel Mitov: China is our major partner in Asia and worldwide
15 October 2015 News
Minister Daniel Mitov welcomed at the MFA the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart.
"Relations between Bulgaria and China are based on long-standing friendship and cooperation. Today's visit, which is the first by a Chinese foreign minister since 2008, is an affirmation of the mutual desire of both sides to work on strengthening and expanding the multifaceted partnership," said Minister Mitov. The talks also focused on the bilateral cooperation in fields such as tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, energy and cultural exchanges.
The two foreign ministers underscored the importance of developing and deepening trade and economic relations between the two countries, including in the context of the EU-China strategic cooperation. "China is our top partner in Asia, and one of our biggest export destinations worldwide. Our priorities include increasing Chinese investments in Bulgaria and expanding the volume and variety of Bulgarian products on the Chinese market," said Minister Mitov. He expressed readiness to participate actively in the development of transport corridors along the New Silk Road in the context of "One belt, One Road" initiative. For his part, Minister Wang Yi pointed out that Bulgaria has an important role as it is the EU's door to Asia.
During the meeting the two foreign ministers also discussed the importance of the initiative for cooperation between the Central and Eastern European countries and China (16 + 1). " We support and actively participate in the China-CEE cooperation initiative. This is an important platform for expanding our bilateral relations in all fields, and makes an effective contribution to the EU-China relations," Minister Mitov said. "The 16+1 cooperation is the common cause of all the countries participating in the initiative. Only by acting together we can achieve common development and prosperity, " said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He pointed out that the economies of China and the CEE countries are largely complementary and that platform plays a positive role in the overall economic growth, as well as contributes to the strengthening of European integration.
Daniel Mitov and Wang Yi also discussed topical issues on the international agenda, including the conflict in Syria. The Chinese side welcomed all efforts for the political settlement of the Syrian crisis in line with the principles of international law, said Minister Wang Yi. The foreign ministers agreed on the need to intensify negotiations on finding a way out of the situation.
More photos
