Top Chinese lawmaker Li Peng told Indonesian Vice-President Hamzah Haz Tuesday that China is ready to fulfill its promise on a concessional credit of US$400 million to Indonesia made earlier this year, and he expects the loans could be put into effect soon with efforts from related departments of both governments.
Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, was received here by Vice-President Haz while President Megawati Soekarnoputri is on a 6-nation tour to Africa and Europe.
Haz extended Megawati's welcome to Li and her wishes that he enjoy his stay in Indonesia.
"China undertook to extend a concessional credit of US$400 million to Indonesia during President Megawati's visit to China last march, and I hope relevant departments of both sides could put it into effect soon," Li said.
Li said that since the restoration of the diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1990, the mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields has been expanded and upgraded.
China attaches importance to Indonesia's significant role in ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region, he added.
Li said that China and Indonesia, being two populous countries with huge market capacity and economic complementarities, have enormous potential in trade and economic cooperation, such as agriculture and energy.
The Chinese side has chosen Indonesia as the supplier of the Fujian LNG (liquefied natural gas) resource procurement project, which proved that substantial progress has been made in the cooperation in energy, Li said.
He indicated that China encourages competitive enterprises to invest or start businesses in Indonesia and also welcomes Indonesian enterprises to do business in China.
Echoing Li's remarks on the economic and trade cooperation, Haz suggested to enhance bilateral cooperation in fields of science, technology, education and culture.
Haz reaffirmed to the Chinese side that the Indonesian government is committed to the policy of ethnic harmony. Indonesian citizens of Chinese ethnic origin are well known for their business talents, and they are positive elements for the development of Indonesian-Chinese relations, he said.
Li said that China appreciates Indonesian government's efforts in promoting ethnic harmony and unity, as such efforts will be conducive to economic development and social stability in the country.
During the meeting, Haz said his government shall continue to adhere to the "One-China" principle, and will never change it.
Li said he highly appreciates this policy.
(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2002)
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