Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana and visiting Chinese State Councilor Wu Yi pledged Monday that their governments will do their best to further promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

During their talks, Geoana welcomed Wu's visit which is made only two months after the establishment of the new Romanian government. He expressed the hope for further substantial progress in bilateral ties.

Wu, also former Chinese minister of foreign trade, said despite the low trade volume between the two countries, China will make efforts so that bilateral economic relations can be commensurate with its traditionally good political ties with Romania.

Upbeat about the prospects for trade cooperation, Wu hoped that apart from trade, the two countries can expand investment in each other. She said China is willing to take part in Romania's development with its technology and equipment.

Meanwhile, Wu said China understands and supports Romania in its bid to join the European Union.

The Romanian foreign minister expressed the hope for more exchanges between businesses of the two countries which should take over the leading role in enhancing cooperation from the governments.

In addition, he reiterated Bucharest's support to Beijing's "one China" principle on Taiwan.

Wu arrived in Bucharest Saturday for a four-day official visit to Romania, the last leg of her current five-nation European tour which has already taken her to Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia.

(Xinhua 02/27/2001)