Li Peng Meets Mubarak

China's National People's Congress (NPC) is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the People's Assembly of Egypt, Chinese top lawmaker Li Peng said here Thursday.

Li, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, made the remark when meeting with visiting President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak at theGreat Hall of the People.

He said that exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments will promote the constant development of bilateral relations in all areas.

Li said that China is always concerned with the Middle East situation and supports the peace process in that region.

China is willing to continue its efforts, through consultationswith Egypt and together with the international community, for the early resumption of peace talks and early realization of peace in the Middle East, Li pledged.

Mubarak agreed to Li's remarks on bilateral ties, and said thatthe Middle East situations are worrisome.

The roots of terrorism will never cease to exist as long as thePalestine issue remains unsolved, and only on the premise that truth and justice prevail can the roots of terrorism be resolved, Mubarak said.

He called for Israel to stop its occupation of Palestinian territory and resume the peace process as soon as possible.

He also called for all peace-loving nations to join the effortsfor a fair and just settlement of the Middle East issue

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2002)