Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Constanta, the second largest city of Romania, on Saturday on a state visit to the country.

In a written speech delivered upon his arrival at the airport, Hu said his visit is aimed at "promoting the full-range cooperative relationship (between China and Romania) to a higher level."

He said China and Romania have respected, trusted, understood and supported each other over the years and their cooperation has been fruitful since the establishment of full diplomatic relations55 years ago.

Hu will stay in the city overnight and travel Sunday to Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, where he will meet President Ion Iliescu, who paid a state visit to China last year, and other Romanian leaders.

Constanta is an important industrial city.

China has said it supported the efforts of Romania in the integration of Europe, and Romania had repeatedly pledged to follow the one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency June 13, 2004)