Li Peng, chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with visiting Brazilian Vice-President Marco Maciel in Beijing December 16 afternoon.

Li said that the present trip to China by Maciel, who will attend the Macao handover ceremony in a few days on behalf of the Brazilian government, will further enhance Sino-Brazilian friendly and cooperative ties.

Sino-Brazilian relations have developed soundly since diplomatic ties were forged 25 years ago, Li said, adding that high-level exchanges of visits between the two countries have increased mutual understanding and trust in recent years.

The two sides have agreed to establish a strategic partnership, and bilateral cooperation have been reinforced, Li noted, citing the successful launch of the first Earth resource satellite jointly developed by China and Brazil as an event worth celebrating in the history of bilateral ties.

China and Brazil have maintained good cooperation in international affairs, an area where the two sides share many similar or identical views, Li said.

The NPC chairman went on to say that the frequent contacts between the parliaments of the two countries have increased mutual understanding and friendship and have contributed to the growth of comprehensive friendly and cooperative ties between the two nations.

China values its ties with Brazil. The two countries are faced with opportunities and challenges in accelerating their respective economic development. They shoulder an important responsibility for the progress and development of their respective regions and the world as a whole, Li said, adding that China is ready to advance a long-term and stable Sino-Brazilian strategic partnership on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence

Li also elaborated China's position on issues concerning world multi-polarization and adherence to international norms.

Maciel said that Brazil-China friendly relations have been sound and fruitful, and that Brazil attaches much importance to establishing and fostering a strategic partnership with China, and is willing to intensify bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas.

The contacts between the parliaments of the two countries constitute an important part of Brazil-China ties, and have played a major role in boosting friendship between the two countries, Maciel noted.

He pledged that Brazil will continue to stick to the "one China " policy, increase consensus with China in multi-lateral affairs, and work together with China to push forward the process of world multi-polarization.

Maciel invited Li Peng to visit Brazil, and Li expressed his thanks for the invitation.