Li Peng, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the development of Sino-Philippine friendly ties in Beijing October 25 during his meeting with a delegation from the Philippine Senate.

　 Li told the Philippine delegation headed by Senator Franklin Drilon that recent years have witnessed expansion of bilateral cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

　 The year 2000 will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two friendly neighbors, and China would like to join hands with the Philippines to further the long-term and stable good-neighborly ties, he said.

　 Li said that the delegation's current visit to China is beneficial to enhancing the understanding between the two sides and to furthering the relations between the two nations.

　 Li also called on the parliaments of the two countries to work for the smooth development of bilateral ties.

　 He briefed the guests on China's economic development and the reform of State-owned enterprises at their request.

　 Drilon said that in the past 11 years he has visited China three times, during which he witnessed the great economic achievements China has scored.

　 As the Philippines is facing the same problems on its State- owned enterprise reform, the country has always paid attention to China's experience in this regard, he added.

　 Drilon is satisfied with the development of the Philippine- China relations in recent years, saying that he would continue to make his contributions to strengthening the friendship and relations of cooperation between the two countries and their parliaments. (Xinhua)