Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said in Beijing Monday that China hopes to increase understanding and friendship as well as mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Ukraine.
Li made the remarks during a meeting with Ivan Plyushch, chairman of the Supreme Council of Ukraine, who came Beijing Sunday on a goodwill visit.
Li noted that China and Ukraine enjoy a traditional friendship.Since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have seen a vigorous development in bilateral relations as leaders of the two countries, the two parliaments andgovernments visited each other frequently.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited Ukraine last July and signed a joint statement with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma for the establishment of all-round cooperative friendly relations in the 21st century. Li described the statement as a guideline forbilateral relations.
"I hope that through your visit to China," Li said, "our two sides will increase understanding and friendship, and step up cooperation on a basis of mutual benefit."
Li said China's NPC wishes to develop relations with the Supreme Council of Ukraine at all levels, including continuing exchange visits between leaders, special councils and friendship panels of the two parliaments.
Li also extended a welcome to Ukrainian entrepreneurs accompanying Plyushch, and said he hopes they make wide contacts with their Chinese counterparts and have cooperation in various areas.
For his part, Plyushch said the last few years have been important for Ukraine-China relations as the leaders frequently exchanged visits. The two parliaments also played an important role in enhancing bilateral relations.
He told Li that Ukrainian entrepreneurs pay great attention to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation with China. He hopes for increased progress in cooperation in trade, science and technology between the two sides.
(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2002)
