China is ready to make concerted efforts with Yemen to continuously consolidate and develop bilateral friendship and cooperation on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.
Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made this remark here Monday in a meeting with the Speaker of the Consultative Council of Yemen (CCY) Abdul-Ghani and his party.
Li, also member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, recalled that Yemen was one of the first Arab countries to set up diplomatic ties with China.
Since the two countries first forged diplomatic ties, bilateral friendship and cooperation in various fields has developed smoothly, added Li.
He expressed his appreciation for Yemen's position on the "one China" policy and support for China's reunification.
Li noted that there is vast potential for mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
CPPCC and CCY share common emphasis on consultations, he said, citing late Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai's saying that consultations cover the spirit of new democracy.
Li noted that CPPCC's practices in the past have proved that increased consultations and consulting in advance are conducive to hearing more ideas for realizing scientific and democratic decision-making; to finding out problems, correcting wrongs and improving the work in time and effectively; and to coordinating and settling disputes for the sake of safeguarding and developing a stable political situation.
He said CPPCC is earnestly summarizing its experiences and making efforts for more efficient consultations.
Noting that CCY plays an important role in Yemeni politics, Li said he hopes that the two sides will enhance contacts and cooperation, and further exchange experiences, so as to make new and greater contributions to bilateral friendship.
Ghani said Yemen-China relations are firm and the vast geographical distance and different political systems have not affected the development of bilateral ties.
He expressed the Yemeni people's thanks for the Chinese people' s support and assistance.
Ghani noted that the two countries have cooperated well in the past, and said he hopes that bilateral cooperation in all fields including economy and trade will be furthered.
(Xinhua News Agency 10/16/2001)
