Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (R) meets with his Bulgarian counterpart Ivailo Kalfin in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2009. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

    Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with visiting Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivailo Kalfin here Monday.

    Yang applauded Sino-Bulgarian fruitful cooperation in the areas of politics, culture, the economy and trade, as well as science and education, saying both countries have maintained close communication and cooperation in international affairs.

    Yang said that "China attaches importance to its traditional friendship with Bulgaria." Both sides will hold celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

    "China will take this as an opportunity to work with Bulgaria to promote bilateral relations," Yang added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (3rd R) holds talks with his Bulgarian counterpart Ivailo Kalfin (3rd L) in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2009. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

    Kalfin said Bulgaria attached great importance to relations with China and regarded China as an important, cooperative friend.

    Speaking of the ongoing financial crisis, Kalfin said: "We wish to deepen cooperation with China in various fields, so as to turn challenge into opportunity."

    Kalfin also expressed his wish for the success of celebrations during the 60th anniversary of Sino-Bulgarian diplomatic relations.

    Bulgaria will adhere to the one-China policy and recognizes Taiwan and Tibet as inalienable parts of China, Kalfin added.

    The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.