Li Peng, Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, called on former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on November 21 and was extended a warm welcome at Mandela's residence

Li said he felt very pleased to meet Mandela again.

Li said Mandela, as an old friend of the Chinese people, has played an important role in developing the relationship between China and South Africa as well as in the building of a new South Africa after apartheid.

Referring to international issues, Li said Chinese and South African leaders hold identical views on many international issues. He stressed the importance of peace and stability which, he said, are prerequisites for development.

Li noted that different countries are at different levels of economic development with different characteristics and developed countries should not apply their own standards to developing countries.

Mandela agreed with Li, saying that independence, sovereignty and economic interests of developing countries should be respected.

The former South African president congratulated China on its recent agreement with the United States about China's entry into the World Trade Organization, saying that China's accession into WTO will not only benefit China itself, but also other developing countries.

Mandela also briefed Li on the latest developments in Africa, particularly the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Li said that China appreciates South Africa's efforts to help promote peace and stability in the region.

Li was on a six-day official good-will visit to South Africa, the second leg of his six Afro-Asian tour. His first stop was Mauritius.