NPC Chairman Li Peng Meets Speaker of Canadian House of Commons

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, March 31, 2002

NPC Chairman Li Peng Meets Speaker of Canadian House of Commons

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Li Peng Meets Speaker of Canadian House of Commons

Top Chinese legislator Li Peng said that China attaches great importance to its friendly and cooperative relationship with Canada and he believes Sino-Canadianrelations will bring great achievements in the 21st century.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the comments at a meeting in Beijing Saturday with Peter Milliken, speaker of the Federal Parliament of Canada's House of Commons.

Li said that bilateral relations have developed smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1970, which have been strengthened by joint efforts, particularly in the past few years.

He added that there have been a number of visits between the leaders of the two countries as well as a furthering of cooperation and consultations in international affairs, more economic links, and comprehensive economic, trade and technological cooperation.

Li stressed that the differences are not obstacles to the development of bilateral ties and it is in their mutual interest to cooperate, learn from each other and seek a complementary way to development.

He went on to say that historically there have been no problems or any conflict of interest between the two sides, and they have a firm foundation and good conditions under which to develop bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Li noted that relations between the NPC and the Canadian parliament have progressed rapidly and their exchanges and cooperation have promoted bilateral relations, with an example being NPC Standing Committee Vice-Chairman Tian Jiyun's current visit to Canada.

He said that the NPC will join the Canadian parliament in continuing such exchanges and cooperation and would welcome futurevisits to China by Canadian parliamentarians which would enhance understanding and friendship.

Li also briefed the visitors on China's current situation, the people's congress system of operation and the improvements in China's legal system and the expansion of democracy.

Milliken said that exchange visits between the leaders of the two countries are important. They have pushed forward bilateral cooperation in various fields and have borne fruit such as in issues connected with the World Trade Organization.

He said he is convinced that there will be broader prospects for bilateral trade cooperation.

Echoing Li, Milliken said that exchanges between the two parliaments are important and the increase in exchange visits, andthe development of concerned bilateral friendship groups have played a positive role.

He said he hoped that the two sides will increase exchanges in legislative fields.

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