This combo photo shows Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. (PHOTO/XINHUA/AFP)

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a congratulatory message to Rumen Radev on the latter's reelection as president of the Republic of Bulgaria.

China and Bulgaria enjoy a traditional friendship, Xi said, noting that in recent years their political mutual trust has grown deeper and practical cooperation in various fields have been advancing smoothly.

China and Bulgaria enjoy a traditional friendship, Xi said, noting that in recent years their political mutual trust has grown deeper and practical cooperation in various fields have been advancing smoothly

Facing the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have stood together and helped each other, writing a new chapter of China-Bulgaria friendship, he added.

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Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Bulgaria relations, and stands ready to work with Radev to further promote bilateral ties.

He suggested that the two sides take high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries as an opportunity to push for new progress in the China-Bulgaria strategic partnership, so as to create benefits for both countries and their people. 

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