Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), warmly welcomed visiting Russian President Boris Yeltsin at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on December 9.

Li noted that the trip of Yeltsin, who came to China for an informal meeting with President Jiang Zemin, falls at this special trans-centennial moment, signifying that the strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia will step smoothly into the next century and the new millennium.

China advocates multi-polarism of the world, as a uni-polar world is dangerous, Li said, adding that the world's multi- polarization will contribute to world peace.

Russia, with rich resources, a profound scientific and technological foundation, and talented people of all kinds, has the potential to become an important pillar of the world, he noted.

He continued that there are no problems standing between the two countries -- only friendship and cooperation. China highly appreciates the friendly policy towards China consistently pursued by President Yeltsin and the Russian government, and is happy about the considerable progress made in cooperation in all fields.

Li expressed the hope that cooperation in the political, diplomatic, economic and trade sectors would be increased on the existing basis.

Yeltsin said he is pleased with every advancement of bilateral relations. Cooperation between Russia and China is characterized by pragmatism, mutual-benefit and peace, he said, stressing that nothing can damage such a friendship.

He echoed Li by noting that Russia also supports the world's multi-polarism regardless of pressure of any kind.