China's CPPCC Leader Voices Confidence in World Peace

Visiting Li Ruihuan Meets his South African Counterpart

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Chairman Li Ruihuan of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) voiced optimism on Friday in Cape Town that peace would prevail in the world despite possible new setbacks lying ahead.

Li, on a six-day official goodwill visit to South Africa, made the remarks at a meeting with Frene Ginwala, Speaker of South Africa's National Assembly.

Li said that no force in the world could reverse the mounting global trend to safeguard peace, pursue progress and seek development.

He expressed belief that mankind would be adamant in striving for a more civilized and rational world in the new century although there were still problems and disputes to be resolved.

On Sino-South African relations, Li said the bilateral relationship had a long history and had been consolidated during the time when China, along with other justice-upholding countries, extended its support to the South African people in their anti- apartheid struggle.

This traditional friendship, he said, has enjoyed rapid growth in all aspects, with the cooperation constantly expanding and strengthening in various sectors since the establishment of the diplomatic relations more than three years ago.

Li noted that "the Pretoria Declaration on the Partnership between China and South Africa", signed by Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his South African counterpart Thabo Mbeki during Jiang's visit to South Africa last year, laid out the guiding principles for further developing bilateral relations in the new century.

The Chinese leader pledged that China, together with South Africa, would do its best to upgrade bilateral relations through the implementation of the declaration.

While extending her warm welcome to Li's visit, Ginwala said South Africa and China had a long history of cooperation, and this relationship has been further developed in all aspects over the recent years.

Ginwala said the two countries, though geologically far apart, shared identical views on many issues and should further strengthen their friendly cooperation, exchange experience and learn from each other.

She voiced hope that the friendly contacts between the South African National Assembly and the CPPCC should also be further expanded to pave the way for promoting bilateral friendly cooperation in working towards peace and development.

Also on Friday, Li met with South African National Council of Provinces (NCP) chairwoman Naledi Pandor to discuss bilateral issues. Li briefed Pandor on the achievements China has achieved since the introduction of the opening policy in 1978.

Li said China was keen on learning from the successful experience of other countries, including South Africa. He said that China attached importance to the cooperation between the CPPCC and the NCP.

Pandor expressed gratitude to China for its support for the South African people in their struggle for freedom, democracy and development, saying her country hoped to further expand the friendship between the two countries.

South Africa is the second leg of Li's four-nation tour, which will also take him to Morocco and Turkey. He has already visited Mauritius.