CPPCC Chairman Meets DPRK and Romanian Guests 　　Li Ruihuan, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said in Beijing July 13 that China has always been concerned about the development of the situation in the Korean Peninsula, and has devoted itself to maintaining peace and stability there while supporting the peaceful reunification of the North and the South. 　　Li made these remarks in Beijing July 13 while meeting with Kang Ryen Hak, president of the Central Committee of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland (DFRF) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). 　　Realization of the cause of reunification through peaceful means not only reflects the will of the people of the peninsula, but also accords with the trend of the times, Li noted. 　　China and the DPRK are close neighbors sharing profound friendship, said Li, adding his hope that the CPPCC and the DFRF will further enhance exchanges as a contribution to bilateral friendship. 　　Kang Ryen Hak said that the friendship between the DPRK and China, fostered by the elder generation of leaders of both countries, is now growing continuously, thanks to the care of both countries' leadership. 　　He also congratulated China on scoring great achievements in building Socialism with Chinese characteristics, a path chosen by the Chinese themselves. 　　The DPRK guests arrived in Beijing July 13 for a week-long visit at the invitation of the CPPCC. 　　* Li Ruihuan also met on the same day with Ion Diaconescu, chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament, and his party. 　　Despite changes in the international situation, and in the domestic situations of both countries, friendly relations between China and Romania have been developing steadily since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 50 years ago, Li said, adding that the Chinese are happy over any progress made by Romania. 　　The years since China began reforms and opening-up have brought significant improvements in the people's living standards, Li said, while pointing out that difficulties and problems still exist. 　　Diaconescu said that the friendship between Romania and China, based on the principles of mutual-respect and peaceful coexistence, boasts a long history and will never change. He also suggested that leaders of the two countries continue to exchange visits to further enhance their friendship. 　　Romania has always considered Taiwan to be a province of China, and this stand will never change, he stressed. (Xinhua) HomeNews 1999-07-14 Page1 Full Story in Chinese