On November 20, 2006, Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev at the Great Hall of the People.

Zeng said China and Bulgaria are traditional friendly nations. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 57 years ago, despite the great changes in the international situation and their domestic circumstances, both sides have always been actively developing bilateral ties in the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit with gratifying achievements scored in cooperation in all areas. Recent years have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, noticeable effects in trade cooperation, increasing people-to-people friendly exchanges and sound communication and coordination in international affairs. Zeng was satisfied with the sound momentum in all-round development of bilateral ties, speaking highly of the Bulgarian government's adherence to the one-China policy over the years.

Zeng said China attaches great importance to developing ties with Bulgaria and deems Bulgaria a reliable good friend and important cooperative partner. China is ready to make joint efforts with Bulgaria to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation, and build up traditional friendship so as to push bilateral ties to a higher level.

Stanishev said the friendly exchanges between both sides enjoy a time-honored history and Bulgaria was the second country to acknowledge the New China in the world. Currently bilateral ties have been developing well. While sustaining its rapid economic growth, China has properly handled problems in its development and started to build a harmonious society, Stanishev said. Bulgaria is also advancing its national development and hopes to learn from China's successful experience, he said. Stanishev expressed his country's willingness to strengthen all-round exchanges and cooperation with China to push for political ties and economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Stanishev said the successive governments of Bulgaria have adhered to the one-China policy, and this position will not change.

Zeng congratulated on Bulgaria's upcoming accession to the European Union (EU). Stanishev vowed Bulgaria will strive to promote EU-China relations.