China has confidence in the outlook for the Sino-Romanian cooperation, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Monday at a meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase.

Wen said China values its relations with Romania and will develop them on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, equality, reciprocity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Noting that 2004 was the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Romanian diplomatic ties, Wen said the friendship between the two nations has been consistent throughout and that the two countries have always understood, supported and assisted each other despite changes in the international situation.

He also commended the substantial progress in economic and trade relations, marked by expanding spheres of cooperation.

Nastase, who is a member of a Socialist International delegation, said Romania considers its relations with China very important. He is pleased to see that the cooperative economic and trade projects discussed during his visit last year are being carried out.

Romania believes that sound political relations will accelerate the growth of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The country will work with China to develop cooperation, Nastase said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2004)