Normalization of China-Panama Ties Benefits Both Peoples: Li Peng

The normalization of China-Panama relation’s tallies with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said Thursday.

"I hope that the statesmen in Panama could view and handle this issue at a strategic height by seriously making endeavors for the normalization of China-Panama relations," Li said when meeting with Hector B. Aleman, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Legislative Assembly of Panama.

Aleman said he is willing to work for an early normalization of bilateral relations, adding that history and justice will be on the side of those people who are willing to establish normal relations with the People's Republic of China.

Li said though the two countries are far apart geographically, both are developing countries with similar sufferings in history, and today they are facing the common task of developing the national economy and promoting the people's living standards.

"Panama has distinctive geographic features and is strategically located. The Chinese people are following the development of all undertakings in Panama with great interest," Li said.

China has always firmly supported the just struggle of the Panamanian people to take back the Panama Canal, Li said, noting that after trade representative offices were set up in either country in 1996, the bilateral ties have in the main advanced with increasing exchange of visits, economic and trade contacts and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Aleman, who leads a Panamanian delegation on a China visit, spoke highly of the Chinese people's contribution to building the Panama Canal and the great achievements China has made.

(Xinhua News Agency 07/12/2001)