Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has praised the relationship with Lithuania during meetings with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite and Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius in Vilnius on Monday.

Hui told Grybauskaite Lithuania was a reliable friend and an important partner of China in the Baltic region. Bilateral relations had developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties 18 years ago with frequent high-level exchanges of visits and increased mutual political trust.

The establishment of the China-Lithuania Forum had provided a platform for deepening mutual understanding and expanding practical cooperation, he said.

The two countries also had witnessed fruitful economic cooperation, with bilateral trade reaching a record high in 2008.

Hui said China appreciated Lithuania's support over issues that were of great concern to China and that regard China's fundamental interests.

China was ready to work with Lithuania to deepen the friendship, strengthen cooperation and push forward bilateral relations, he said.

Grybauskaite said the people of Lithuania regarded China highly, were fond of Chinese culture and appreciated China's achievements in modernization. Lithuania appreciated China's status and its role in international affairs, she said.

She pledged that her country would stick to the one-China policy and promote all-round cooperation with China.

Hui and Grybauskaite also exchanged views on international affairs. Hui said China would stick to a path of peaceful development and continue to pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. China was ready to contribute to world peace and sustainable development, he said.

Hui briefed Kubilius on the measures taken by the Chinese government to tackle the global financial crisis and the positive results of those measures.

Kubilius said the steady and rapid growth of China's economy was crucial to world economic recovery and would benefit Lithuania.

Both sides emphasized the need to further promote mutual investment and cooperation between enterprises. The Lithuanian side welcomed the visit of a Chinese trade and investment promotion delegation with Hui.

Lithuania also pledged to participate in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in transportation, agriculture, forestry and infrastructure.

After the talks, Hui and Kubilius attended a signing ceremony of several cooperation documents.

Hui also delivered a speech at a discussion forum of China-Lithuania entrepreneurs.

(Xinhua News Agency September 1, 2009)