Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is in Bucharest on an official visit, as part of a four-nation tour of the region that will also take him to Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia.

During the meeting with Olteanu, Jia said China and Romania enjoy a long-standing friendship though the two countries are far apart geographically.

He said bilateral relations have shown new vigor and vitality after weathering changes over the past 60 years, and were elevated to an all-around partnership of friendship and cooperation in 2004, ushering in a new stage in mutual ties.

Since then, the two sides have maintained frequent high-level dialogue and contact, continued to deepen political trust, expanded mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, and carried out close coordination and cooperation in international affairs, Jia added.

China attaches great importance to developing relations with Romania and regards it as a reliable and true friend, and an important cooperative partner in the central and eastern European region, the CPPCC chairman said.

Jia said the CPPCC is ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Romania's Senate and Chamber of Deputies to enhance friendship between the two peoples.

Noting that the two nations will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year, Jia said China is ready to hold grand activities to mark this event and promote bilateral relations.

For his part, Olteanu said both China and Romania have attached importance to developing bilateral relations because it is in the common interest of both sides. He said Romania's government, political parties and parliament also look to expand friendly relations with China, a stance that has remained unchanged for the past six decades.

Olteanu expressed his desire to further intensify the traditional friendship between the two countries, and expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation between political parties and legislatures. He especially wished to expand youth exchanges, in order to maintain the two nations' friendship for generations to come.

Jia also briefed his host on Beijing's preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Olteanu said the Beijing Olympic Games will be one of the most important international events this year, and a great sports and culture event for the whole world. It will provide an opportunity for people from around the world to have a better knowledge of China, he added.

Romania is earnestly looking forward to the event and wishes the Beijing Olympic Games great success, said Olteanu.