China and Romania pledged in a joint statement released yesterday to advance bilateral relations to a new level based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

They also agree to further improve exchanges and co-operation in politics, the economy, trade, culture, education, tourism and science and technology. At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Romanian President Ion Iliescu paid a state visit to China from August 19 to yesterday.

The two heads of state held fruitful talks on improving bilateral relations and international issues of common concern and reached broad consensus, the statement said.

They announced that their two countries will explore all- round friendly and co-operative relations.

The statement said the two sides agree that the traditional friendship between China and Romania is a precious treasure of their peoples as well as the foundation of furthering bilateral relations.

It said Sino-Romanian friendship is not only in line with the common aspirations and interests of the two countries and two peoples but also conducive to the improvement of regional and international peace and development.

The statement said China highly regards Romania's achievements in its economic and social development and supports Romania's efforts to join "the European integration process.''

It said that China respects Romania's choice to seek to join the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization and appreciates Romania's positive role in the maintenance of regional and international peace and stability.

The statement said that Romania reiterates that there is only one China, that the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.

It said Romania will continue to support the "one China'' policy. Romania will neither establish any kind of official ties with Taiwan nor conduct any official exchanges with it, the statement said.

Romania will not support Taiwan's attempts to join any international organizations that are only accessible to countries with national sovereignty, the statement said.

It said China and Romania are willing to improve political contacts between their two heads of state and between their government and parliamentary leaders in order to boost bilateral co-operation, regularly inform each other of the latest developments and exchange views in a timely manner on international issues of common concern.

The two sides said they would encourage non-governmental organizations in their countries to co-operate directly to boost the all-round development of bilateral relations.

The statement said the two sides support the key role that the United Nations has been playing in maintaining international peace and security.

The statement said the two sides are willing to strengthen consultation and co-operation on the international stage to fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal sales of drugs and weapons.

Iliescu invited Hu to pay a state visit to Romania. Hu thanked Iliescu for the invitation and said he would visit Romania at a time convenient to both sides.

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