Li Peng, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, told Veikune, speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, here this afternoon that China is willing to actively develop a friendly and cooperative relationship with island countries in the South Pacific, including the Kingdom of Tonga.

Even though China and Tonga are geographically distant, Li said,both are located in the Asia-Pacific region and their bilateral ties have grown smoothly. He said he hoped Veikuna's visit will boost the existing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Li said that China has always deemed that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are equal members of the international community. State-to-state relationships should be built on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, he said.

According to Li, China's NPC is also willing to build and develop friendly cooperative ties with Tonga's Legislative Assembly. Zhou Guangzhao, vice-chairman of NPC Standing Committee, is to pay a visit to Tonga next month. Li said he believed Veikune's current visit and Zhou's February tour can push forward the bilateral ties. He also expressed appreciation for Tonga's stance on the Taiwan issue.

Veikune applauded China's achievements in reform and opening-up and said he hoped his visit will enhance mutual understanding and the friendship between the peoples of the two countries. He also expressed gratitude for China's support to Tonga's entry into the United Nations and China's assistance to his country.