Zhou welcomed the speaker on behalf of NPC Standing Committee chairman Li Peng, who was making an inspection visit in south China.

Zhou said that since China and Tonga established diplomatic relations in 1998, bilateral friendly cooperative ties had progressed smoothly.

The political ties between China and Tonga had become closer and mutual understanding deepened, he said, adding that bilateral trade had increased sharply.

China and Tonga considered each other trustworthy friends and had cooperated closely in the international arena, he said.

He pointed out that the NPC and the Legislative Assembly of Tonga had made frequent friendly exchanges, which was beneficial to increasing mutual understanding and facilitating the steady development of bilateral relations.

Tu'ivakano said China had offered great assistance to Tonga since the two established diplomatic relations, for which the people of Tonga were very grateful.

In recent years, the frequent exchanges between congress leaders of two countries had made relations between the two countries and two congresses more intimate, the speaker said.

He said he hoped for the continuance of the exchanges and more cooperation in fields such as fisheries.

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2003)