On April 1, 2002, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan held talks with visiting Foreign Minister of Bulgaria Solomon Passy.

Tang pointed out that there is profound friendship between China and Bularia and the two peoples. It accords with the common wish and fundamental interest of both countries and peoples. Tang said that for more than half a century the relations between China and Bulgaria have progressed well in spite of the changes in the international environment and in the two countries. Especially in recent years, the two countries have expanded cooperation in political, economic, cultural and educational areas, and the Chinese side is satisfied with the general development.

Tang said that China respects the development route and domestic and foreign policies that Bulgaria has chosen in accordance with its domestic conditions, and is keen to see Bulgaria play an active role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Tang said China is ready to make concerted efforts with Bulgaria to promote contacts and exchanges, conduct extensive and mutually beneficial cooperation, and consolidate and develop the friendly cooperative ties in all areas between the two countries. Such efforts will be made in line with the principles of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Passy said the Bulgarian government will as always stick to the One-China principle, and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is part of China and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China. Noting that Bulgaria is among one of the countries estabished diplomatic ties with China earliest, Bulgaria-China relations have developed smoothly over the past 50 years and there are no contradictions or differences between the two countries. Since there is still great potential in the trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, he expressed hope that the local governments and enterprises would strengthen direct contacts and cooperation in the areas of trade and economy,

Tang expressed appreciation and gratitude for Bulgaria's stance on the Taiwan issue. On the issue of Iraq, Tang said Iraq expressed its willingness to respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kuwait, and welcome UN arms inspection officials to return Iraq in principle at the just-concluded Arab summit. He said that China appreciates this progress and hopes that all parties concerned would make continued efforts for an early settlement of the Iraq issue. Passy expressed his appreciation for China's consistant stance in the Iraq issue.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the issues of anti-terrorism and Afghanistan.