Top Chinese Legislator Meets Indonesian PCA Chairman

Top Chinese legislator Li Peng met in Beijing Monday with Amien Rais, chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (PCA) of Indonesia.

The delegation, which is the first to visit China during this term of the PCA, consists of Amien Rais, five vice-chairmen and the secretary-general of the PCA.

During the meeting, Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said Amien Rais' current visit demonstrates that he attaches importance to the relationship between the two countries as well as between the NPC and the PCA.

While extending his appreciation for Amien Rais' firm stance on adhering to the one-China policy, Li noted that promoting steady Sino-Indonesian good-neighborly cooperative ties is a long-term policy China resolutely pursues.

Li said China and Indonesia are good neighbors and five decades ago, the leaders of the two countries set up the basis for bilateral friendship and cooperation.

In recent years, following increased exchange visits between the leaders of the two countries, there has been an increase in mutual understanding and trust as well as in cooperation, he said.

Li said China is satisfied with the current smooth development of bilateral ties, stressing that China and Indonesia should support, help and learn from each other.

Since China and Indonesia are two of the largest Asian countries, the two should coordinate and cooperate more to make a bigger contribution to the establishment of a just and rational international political and economic order, he added.

He said the NPC attaches importance to friendly cooperative ties with the PCA and the exchange between the two will play an irreplaceable role in promoting mutual understanding between Chinese and Indonesian people.

At the request of the Indonesian guests, Li also briefed them on China's experience over the past two decades in reform and opening up, implementing the strategy of rule of law and establishing a socialist legal system.

Amien Rais, on his part, said as both Indonesia and China are large countries in terms of territory and population, the remarkable economic achievements China has made is a revelation to Indonesia and gives it encouragement for the future.

He said the members of his delegation were all most impressed by the rapid economic growth in Guangdong, Shanghai and Beijing which they had visited.

A strong and prosperous China benefits peace and stability in Asia and the world at large, Amien Rais stressed.

He also reaffirmed his country's adherence to the one-China policy which the PCA and the Indonesian government have pursued consistently.

After the meeting, Li Peng and his wife hosted a banquet in honor of Amien Rais and his party.

The Indonesian guests are here at the invitation of Li Peng.

( April 30, 2002)