Li Peng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met with a delegation from the Republic Party of "Otan" of Kazakhstan in Beijing Monday.
Li, also chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, expressed his congratulations on the upcoming 10th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence.
He said that, with efforts from leaders of the two countries and their peoples, bilateral relations have been furthered since the two countries set up diplomatic relations.
In the past few years, there has been new progress in bilateral cooperation in various fields and more high-level contacts, Li noted.
This has pushed forward the sustained and steady development of bilateral friendship and cooperation in the new century in such fields as politics, economy and culture, stated Li, adding his appreciation for this.
Noting that party-to-party relationships are an important component of bilateral relations, Li said that the close contacts between the two parties will contribute positively to the furthering of bilateral ties.
The CPC will, on the basis of independence, complete equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, conduct exchanges with all political parties that are willing to enhance relations with the CPC, in a bid to promote the smooth development of state-to-state relations, he affirmed.
Li also briefed the delegation on China's people's congress system, democratic and legal construction, and economic development.
S.A. Tereshchenko, president of "Otan" and head of the delegation, conveyed Kazakhstan's President Nazarbayev's greetings to Li.
He recalled his China visits in 1992 and 1999, saying that he has witnessed the great changes which have taken place in China, and that many countries can learn from China's rapid economic progress.
He said Kazakhstan attaches importance to the development of its friendly and cooperative relations with its neighboring countries since gaining independence, especially with China.
He said he hoped that friendly exchanges in various fields would help further bilateral cooperation of mutual benefit.
The "Otan" will make efforts along with the CPC to actively push forward the sound and steady development of bilateral good- neighborly and friendly relations in the new century.
The delegation is in Beijing as guests of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.
(Xinhua News Agency 09/25/2001)
