At the invitation of the three governments of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Japan, Li Ruihuan, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee paid formal good-will visits to these three countries from December 2 to 16 and scored great successes, attaining expected goals of enhancing mutual understanding, deepening friendship and expanding cooperation with the host countries.

This was Li's first visit to the three countries in the capacity as CPPCC chairman and an important diplomatic mission by one of China's top leaders this year.

During the journey, Li met with top leaders of the three countries, briefing them on China's domestic situations, and exchanging views in depth with them on how to advance bilateral relations and on some regional and international issues of common interest.

In meeting with Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Li said that all countries in the world, developing countries in particular, should give top priority to developing economy, improving people's livelihood and strengthening unity.

In his talks with Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Li attributed China's brilliant achievements in economic and other social aspects to the principle of "seeking truth from facts" advocated by Deng Xiaoping, the chief architect of China's reform and opening up.

Leaders of Sri Lanka and Maldives hailed the smooth development of their relations with China whatever changes in the world.

Li's visit to Japan is all the more spectacular. During his meeting with Emperor Akihito, Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and other Japanese leaders, Li spoke highly of Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan last year, during which the two countries agreed to work for the establishment of a friendly and cooperative partnership for peace and development, thus charting the path for the development of bilateral relations in the coming century.

In this regard, Li said, "We should not forget the past but should all the more look to the future" through efforts in educating the younger generations.