Chinese top legislator Li Peng said on January 5 that China and Azerbaijan should fully develop bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks in a meeting with Rahimzade Arif, first deputy chairman of Azerbaijan's National Assembly, and his delegation.

Li said that China-Azerbaijan relations are good and both countries have a long-standing friendship. Bilateral relations have been developing smoothly, said Li, adding that President Geidar Aliyev's 1994 China visit helped promote friendship and cooperation in a number of areas including economy, trade, science, technology, culture and health.

Li expressed his hope that the two countries will further promote bilateral exchanges in the future. He also expressed appreciation and gratitude for the Azerbaijan government's adherence to the one China policy.

Li said that relations have developed well between the Chinese NPC and Azerbaijan's National Assembly. He expressed his firm belief that Arif's visit to China will help promote friendship and cooperation between the two parliaments.

He said that the Chinese NPC wants to work closely with Azerbaijan's National Assembly and further develop bilateral relations.

Li briefed the visitors on China's economic reform, the People' s Congress and China's democratic and legal system.

Arif told Li that his visit aims to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries and parliaments. Arif has learnt much about economic reforms, and in particular, rural reforms in China.

Arif said that the Azerbaijan government and parliament place great importance on relations with China and are willing to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

Arif said that Azerbaijan supports China's "one country, two systems" policy and hopes that a peaceful reunification of China will take place at an earlier date.

Following the meeting, Tomur Dawamat, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, met with and hosted a banquet in honor of Arif.