Chinese premier calls for closer people-to-people exchanges with Bulgaria

SOFIA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called for enhanced cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Bulgaria to consolidate their traditional friendship.

Li made the call during talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, expressing the hope that the two countries will strengthen their cooperation in the fields of culture, language and tourism.

The Chinese premier arrived in Bulgaria on Thursday for an official visit to the European country, and will attend the seventh leaders' meeting of China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries.

Li's trip marks the first visit to Bulgaria by a Chinese premier in 18 years.