People of all nationalities living in Tibet are proud that the torch relay will pass through the region. There is no change of plan for the torch to be taken to the top of Mount Qomolangma, Qin said.

As to the European Parliament's meeting on Wednesday to discuss whether to boycott the Beijing Olympic Games, Qin said that China, in the process of preparing for the Olympic Games, is willing to listen to all "just, objective and constructive" views and suggestions from all parties, but is firmly opposed to politicizing the Olympic Games, and is against tying other issues in with the event.

No change on one-China policy

China will continue to develop relations with foreign countries and international organizations based on one-China policy, Qin said.

Qin was replying to a question about newly-elected Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou's plan to visit the United States before he takes office.

Qin said, "We will take various measures to aid Taiwan compatriots' external activities in areas of trade, health and culture and protect their lawful rights and interests overseas."

Wen to attend Mekong summit in Laos

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will pay a working visit to Laos from March 29 to 31, and attend the third Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Vientiane, announced Qin.

Qin said that Wen will pay the visit at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh.

Leaders from GMS members – Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China – as well as representatives from the Asian Development Bank will meet at the summit to promote economic, social, cultural, tourism and environmental cooperation within the region.

The 1st GMS Summit was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2002, and the 2nd summit in Kunming, China, in 2005.

The GMS was established in 1992 to promote economic and social development, irrigation and cooperation within the six Mekong countries.

UAE vice-president to visit China

At the invitation of the Chinese government, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s vice-president and prime minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also ruler of Dubai emirate, will pay an official visit to China from March 31 to April 3, Qin said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)