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Li Peng Arrives in Yugoslavia
Li Peng Arrives in Yugoslavia
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Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, arrived in Belgrade Sunday to start his official goodwill visit to Yugoslavia.
After the special plane carrying Li landed at the Surcin Airport in Belgrade, Li was greeted by Milomir Minic, chairman of the Chamber of Citizens of the Federal Assembly of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and Srdja Bozovic, chairman of the Chamber of Republics of the Federal Assembly.
He received a warm welcome at a ceremony held by the two chamber chairmen. A military band played the national anthems of China and Yugoslavia, and Li, accompanied by chamber chairmen Minic and Bozovic, reviewed a guard of honor. Two Yugoslav girls presented bouquets to Li Peng and his wife Zhu Lin, who is accompanying Li on the visit.
Later, Li delivered a speech to the press, describing his aim of the visit as increasing understanding, strengthening trust, promoting friendship and deepening cooperation.
He said that although China and Yugoslavia are tens of thousands of miles apart, the people of the two countries enjoy traditional friendship.
He said China has always pursued an independent foreign policy of peace and stood for expanding friendship and cooperation with Yugoslavia and other Balkan countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
"We are willing to make joint efforts with the Yugoslav government and people to push the bilateral relations to a higher level," he added.
During his current visit, Li said, he will exchange views with Yugoslav leaders on issues of mutual concern, and will meet friends from all walks of life to discuss ways of expanding cooperation between the two countries.
Apart from the chamber chairmen of the Federal Assembly, Li is scheduled to meet with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic and Prime Minister Momir Bulatovic.
Yugoslavia is the first leg of Li's six-nation tour, which will also carry him to Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
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