Romanian Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu (L) shakes hands with Zhang Qingli, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Bucharest, Romania, April 23, 2019. Zhang led a delegation of Chinese political advisors for a visit here. (Xinhua/Chen Jin)

BUCHAREST, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Romanian Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu met with a delegation of Chinese political advisors here on Tuesday, with the two sides expressing their willingness to strengthen bilateral relations.

The Chinese delegation was led by Zhang Qingli, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila also held a meeting with Zhang on Monday.

During the meetings, Zhang said that the relations between China and Romania are marked by profound friendship and both sides care for each other's core interests and major concerns.

China is willing to work together with Romania to firmly grasp the important occasions like the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive partnership of friendship and cooperation, maintain the momentum of bilateral high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic links and policy communication, and push for more pragmatic cooperation, according to Zhang.

The Romanian leaders stated that developing relations with China is one of their country's diplomatic priorities. Romania supports and actively participates in the Belt and Road construction and China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) cooperation, and is willing to play an active role in the European Union (EU) to promote the healthy development of Romania-China relations, as well as EU-China ties.

During the delegation's Sunday through Tuesday visit, Zhang also held talks with Serban Constantin Valeca, vice chairman of the Romanian Senate.