Visiting top Chinese legislator Li Peng said in Muscat Thursday that there is great potential for economic and technological cooperation between China and Oman.

During his talks with Hamoud bin Abdullah Al-Harthy, president of the State Council of Oman, Li Peng called for concerted efforts to fully tap the potential of cooperation between the two countries.

"We should give play to the role of the business communities of our two countries," Li said.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, also called for increased exchanges and mutual understanding for facilitating Sino-Omani cooperation.

Al-Harthy said Oman is ready to further strengthen friendly and cooperative relations with China's National People's Congress, which plays an important role in the political life in China.

He said Li's visit has provided an opportunity for both sides to review Omani-Chinese relations and look into the future of bilateral ties.

Al-Harthy told Li that Oman follows China's progress closely and admires the great achievements China has made, saying China's domestic and foreign policies have attained world reputation and won the trust of other countries.

Li reiterated China's independent foreign policy of peace, adding China is willing to develop friendly relations with all countries, including Oman, on the basis of the Five Principles of

Peaceful Coexistence.

"China will never become a superpower, will never seek hegemony, and will never pursue a sphere of influence," Li said.

"We always consider that the stability and development of China is a contribution to the world peace and stability, " he added.

Al-Harthy said Oman shares similar views in many aspects with China. Oman, he pointed out, also pursues an opening-up policy and sticks to the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in other country's internal affairs.

Al-Harthy, who visited China 19 years ago, received Li's invitation to visit China again next year to witness the country's new achievements.

Li arrived in Muscat Wednesday for an official goodwill visit, after concluding his trip to Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Palestine and Israel.