During an interview with the Chinese media, Gerdjikov had high praise for the evolution of bilateral relations over the past few years, citing the frequent high-level contacts over the past year as an example. He said Chairman Li Ruihuan of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and State Councilor Wu Yi visited Bulgaria in May and July respectively, while the Bulgarian foreign minister and vice premier also made separate China visits during the past year.

He called his visit a good end to this year's high-level visits, and expressed hope that it will help to boost bilateral political and economic cooperation.

Although setting foot in this oriental country for the first time, Gerdjikov said he knows China well since it "has profound influence and plays an undeniably important role in the world." He said that the Chinese people's hospitality, the country's "tangible economic achievements" as well as its successful transition from a planned economy to a market economy have all deeply impressed him. He wished the Chinese people more success for the road ahead.

On the issues of Taiwan and Tibet, he said he had outlined Bulgaria's firm stance on them on many occasions. "We hold that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. We will not establish any official relations with Taiwan. As for Tibet, it is an autonomous region of China, of this we have not the slightest doubt," he said.

Gerdjikov said Bulgaria has created a good environment for investors, and his country would like more Chinese businesses to invest there in the interest of economic cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2002)