Li Peng, chairman of the StandingCommittee of the Chinese National People's Congress, met with Ariel Lausarot, president of the Chamber of Deputies of Uruguay, in Beijing on January 7.

Li said that although China and Uruguay are far apart, relations between the two countries have been smooth since the establishment of diplomatic ties. China is willing to work together with Uruguay to further promote such relations, said Li.

Multi-polarization and economic globalization are two developing trends on the world stage, Li noted. China advocates multi-polarization and firmly opposes hegemony. Economic globalization has created both challenges and opportunities for developing countries.

Li praised the mutual support and cooperation between China andUruguay and Uruguay's support of the "one China" policy and its stance of not conducting any official contact with Taiwan.

Li briefed Lausarot on China's reform and economic development and said that stability of the country is paramount during China'seconomic development.

Lausarot conveyed regards of president Julio Sanguinetti and Hugo Fernandez, vice-president and president of the Uruguay National Congress. He invited Li to visit Uruguay. Li accepted theinvitation.