Li Peng, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said today that he is very glad to visit Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Israel, Palestine and Oman from November 15 to December 4.

He made the remark at a meeting with the ambassadors to China of the six countries.

Li said he expects to meet and exchange views with state and parliamentary leaders of the six countries on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

He said he hopes these visits will further mutual understanding and trust, promote friendship and expand cooperation, and facilitate a more comprehensive, healthier and smoother relationship between China and the six countries in the new century.

Li said China highly values its relationship with these countries and spoke highly of the active attitude of the leaders and governments of the six countries which have attached importance to their relations with China and thus promoted the growth of bilateral relations.

He also expressed his gratitude for the preparations made by the six ambassadors for his forthcoming visits.

Li pointed out that China attaches importance to its traditional friendship with the six countries and is willing to strengthen friendly cooperation with them in various areas on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.

Exchange between parliamentary bodies is an important part of state-to-state relations, he noted, adding that the NPC is willing to enhance friendly exchange and cooperation with the parliaments of Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Israel, and Palestine, and the State Council of Oman, to further the development of bilateral ties.

The ambassadors expressed their warm welcome for Li's visits on behalf of their respective governments and parliamentary bodies. They emphasized the importance of the first visit by a chairman of the NPC Standing Committee of China, and said they believe the visits will be a complete success.