Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) said that the NPC looks forward to further strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the Latvian Parliament.

Li made the remark here Monday afternoon in a meeting with Janis Straume, chairman of the Latvian Parliament, adding that the content and means of such exchanges and cooperation can be multifarious, covering contacts between parliamentary leaders, special committees and friendship groups.

He said that the relationship between China and Latvia has progressed smoothly, and there have been frequent exchanges of high-level visits in recent years.

With concerted efforts from both sides, the bilateral economic and trade cooperation has continuously developed and the two countries have kept a good momentum for exchanges in such fields as science, technology, culture and education, Li said.

Li noted that China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, holding that the world should be a multipolar one.

China also holds that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. All countries are entitled to choose social systems and development strategies in accordance with their own conditions, Li said.

He said that China has consistently supported Latvia’s sovereign independence and territorial integrity, and cherished its friendship and cooperation with Latvia.

China also appreciates Latvia's adherence to the "one China” principle and just stance on supporting the Chinese government for safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity, added Li.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Latvian diplomatic relations, which will provide new opportunities for the further development of bilateral relations, said Li.

He said he is convinced that as long as both sides stick to the principles of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity, Sino- Latvian relations will enjoy a sound and smooth development.

Li also briefed the guests on China's domestic situations.

Straume said the Latvian Parliament will continue to make contributions to the promotion of Latvia-China relations.

He said he had visited some other Chinese cities before arriving in Beijing, and that he was deeply impressed by all these places.

Referring to Li's visit to Latvia last year, Straume said that his country highly evaluated that visit since the delegation led by Li was the highest-level one ever from China since Latvia's independence, thus making it a historic one.

(Xinhua 06/04/2001）