Top Chinese legislator meets Moroccan guests
( 2001-06-01 22:50 ) (8 )

Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met in Beijing Friday with M. Moulay Abedelaziz Hafidi Alaoui, the first vice president of the Moroccan Chamber of Representatives.

Li asked Hafidi to convey his greetings to Moroccan Senate President Moustapha Okacha and Chamber of Representative President Abdeloughed Radi.

He noted that China and Morocco have enjoyed a long-term friendship, and with the frequent exchanges of visits, Sino-Moroccan relations have kept improving since the two countries forged diplomatic ties over 40 years ago.

Both China and Morocco are developing countries with a long history and splendid culture, and now they face the tasks of improving their economies and people's living standards, Li said, adding that he wishes Morocco great success in economic construction.

He noted that Morocco actively participates in international affairs, and China and Morocco have supported each other and kept close contact in many international arenas, saying that Morocco has supported China at the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) in the past two years.

Li expressed appreciation for and gratitude to Morocco's adherence to the One-China stance, and voiced hope to further Sino-Moroccan relations and promote cooperation in international affairs.

On the Middle East issue, Li said, the violent conflicts between Israel and Palestine have lasted eight months, causing massive casualties and property losses and adding tension to the Middle East region. The Chinese government is concerned over and worried about the situation, he added.

Li noted that China, as a permanent member of the UN security council, has always supported the Middle East peace process.

China's stance towards the Irael-Palestine conflict is clear, that is, China oppose and condemn Israel's abusing weapons and support the efforts by the Arabian countries and the international communities to mitigate the tension, appease conflict and resume peaceful negotiations, Li said.

China has advocated that the relevant UN resolutions on the Middle East issue and the principle of "Land-for-Peace" are the foundation for the Middle East peace talks, and the agreements and understanding reached by the relevant parties are the premise for the Arab and Israeli sides to build mutual trust, he noted.

He stressed that China has joined and will continue to join the international community to promote the Middle East issue to be resolved at an early date.

Li said that further cooperation and exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries is helpful to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

He noted that the NPC has attached importance to its relations with the Moroccan parliament, hoping the two parliaments will conduct fruitful contacts in more fields, so as to promote Sino-Moroccan relations.

Hafidi said that the Moroccan King, government and people greatly respect China, as it has a splendid history and culture, and has played an important role in international affairs. The Moroccan parliament, government and parties have no doubt in efforts to develop friendly relations with China.

He noted that his visit is to promote the cooperation between the two parliaments so as to push forward the friendly relations between Morocco and China.

Hafidi expressed appreciation for China's reducing or exempting part of Africa's debt that was owed during the Sino-African Cooperation Forum last year, and he also praised China for its efforts to improve relations with African countries, especially in the fields of economy and trade.

He noted that Morocco will always adhere to the One-China policy.