Archive for ‘Li Zhanshu’

23/01/2020

Xi Focus: Xi stresses racing against time to reach Chinese Dream

CHINA-BEIJING-CPC CENTRAL COMMITTEE-STATE COUNCIL-RECEPTION (CN) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a Chinese Lunar New Year reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 23, 2020. The CPC Central Committee and the State Council held the reception on Thursday in Beijing. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday stressed racing against time and keeping abreast with history to reach the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

“Time and history wait for no one as they are both on the side of hard workers,” said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Xi made the remarks while addressing a Chinese Lunar New Year reception held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC, all members of the Party, armed forces and people of all ethnic groups must fear no wind or wave, rise up to challenges and keep marching toward the glorious goal of national rejuvenation and the great prospect of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

At the reception, held by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Xi extended Lunar New Year’s greetings to Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese.

Party and state leaders Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan were among the more than 2,000 people attending the reception. Li Keqiang chaired the event.

Xi noted in his speech that new and significant progress has been made in the past year toward building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

He mentioned major events during the year, including the fourth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland and resolute efforts to safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, as well as celebrations marking the 70th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

A campaign themed “staying true to our founding mission” was also carried out to demand the more than 90 million Party members remember to always stay with the people.

“In the new year, we must secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and fighting poverty,” Xi said, adding that achieving this first centenary goal is a milestone in the process of realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

The results, Xi said, must be recognized by the people and stand the test of time.

Xi said the Chinese nation, with a civilization stretching back over 5,000 years, has made indelible contributions to the civilization and progress of mankind. But the nation was held back for too long by various internal and external troubles in modern times.

That is why, Xi said, the Chinese people have always had an extraordinary sense of urgency and appreciation of the underlying trend of the times.

From now to the middle of this century, the Chinese people will strive to build China into a great modern socialist country. It will be a great era in which a new splendid chapter of the Chinese civilization will be written, he said.

Every Chinese person must feel proud of living in such a great era, Xi said.

“We must maintain strategic direction and resolve, stay united, work hard and forge ahead against all odds,” Xi said.

Source: Xinhua

25/10/2019

Chinese top legislator meets Brazilian president

BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese top legislator Li Zhanshu on Friday met with Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro in Beijing.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), said both China and Brazil are major developing countries and emerging markets with important influence, and relations between the two countries, featured with more strategic and comprehensive significance, have far transcended the bilateral scope.

Given the complex international situation, strengthening all-round cooperation between the two countries will be conducive to promoting the construction of a new type of international relations and building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Li said.

Both sides should continue their mutual support of issues regarding each other’s core interests and major concerns to push their comprehensive strategic partnership to constantly reach new heights, he suggested.

“The National People’s Congress of China stands ready to further enhance exchange and cooperation with the National Congress of Brazil to provide legal guarantee and support for smooth pragmatic cooperation between China and Brazil,” Li said.

China is a great country, said Bolsonaro, who noted Brazil’s new government attaches great importance to relations with China and considers China as Brazil’s important partner. He said his government is ready to enhance cooperation with China, deepen friendship between the two countries and advance bilateral ties to a new high.

Source: Xinhua

26/09/2019

Spotlight: China, Kazakhstan reaffirm commitment to strengthening ties

KAZAKHSTAN-CHINA-LI ZHANSHU-VISIT

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, meets with First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in Kazakhstan, Sept. 23, 2019. Li paid an official goodwill visit to Kazakhstan from Sept. 21 to 25 at the invitation of Dariga Nazarbayeva, speaker of the Kazakh Parliament’s Upper House, Nurlan Nigmatulin, speaker of the Kazakh Parliament’s Lower House. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

NUR-SULTAN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) — Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, and Kazakh leaders have agreed here to boost mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas.

During an official goodwill visit from Saturday to Wednesday, Li met with First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to him.

Li told Nazarbayev that China and Kazakhstan are good neighbors and the most reliable friends and partners.

Li said China and Kazakhstan have decided to develop a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership and build a community with a shared future, and their ties have become a model of interstate relations following 27 years of development since the establishment of their diplomatic relationship.

Both sides need to strengthen political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, Li said, adding that China has full confidence in the future of Kazakhstan and will continue to support the Central Asian country in pursuing its development path that suits its national conditions.

Nazarbayev told Li that China is a good friend of his country and China’s development is vital to Kazakhstan.

He said strengthening Kazakhstan-China cooperation is in line with the two countries’ interests, and Kazakhstan always prioritizes in its foreign policy cementing and developing ties with China.

At a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Li conveyed Xi’s good wishes to him.

Li said the construction of a Silk Road Economic Belt was first proposed in Kazakhstan, and both countries as permanent comprehensive strategic partners should respect, trust and support each other no matter how the global and regional situations develop.

China and Kazakhstan should improve the alignment of their development strategies and boost cooperation in production capacities, energy, agriculture, inter-connectivity, finance, cross-border e-commerce, high-technology, education, sports, culture and tourism, Li said.

Tokayev said that Kazakhstan, located in the center of the Eurasian continent, will always be a friendly neighbor of China. He praised China’s key role in maintaining global security and stability.

The Belt and Road Initiative is significant to Kazakhstan, which is ready to strengthen cooperation with China, implement bilateral agreements and achieve more outcomes.

At talks with Dariga Nazarbayeva, speaker of the Kazakh parliament’s upper house, and Nurlan Nigmatulin, speaker of the lower house, Li said the two legislatures should implement the important consensuses reached by the heads of state and facilitate bilateral cooperation with legislation and favorable policy.

Li said the two legislatures should push for the signing of an updated version of the China-Kazakhstan investment protection pact, streamline procedures for customs clearance and work permits, and create a sound investment environment.

Nazarbayeva said that strengthening Kazakhstan-China cooperation has particular significance as the world is fraught with risks and challenges, and that she expects better quality in such cooperation.

Nigmatulin said the Kazakh parliament is willing to compare notes on legislation and supervision with the NPC of China.

During his visit, Li and Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin attended the opening ceremony of the China Construction Bank’s Astana office.

Li listened to a report about the Astana International Financial Center and encouraged financial institutions in the center to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Chinese top legislator also visited the site of the 2017 Astana Expo and the national museum.

Source: Xinhua

22/09/2019

Spotlight: China, Azerbaijan pledge to strengthen cooperation

AZERBAIJAN-BAKU-LI ZHANSHU-VISIT

Li Zhanshu (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, meets with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 19, 2019. Li paid an official goodwill visit to Azerbaijan from Sept. 19 to 21 at the invitation of Ogtay Asadov, speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BAKU, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) — Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, and top Azerbaijani officials have agreed here to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas.

During an official goodwill visit from Thursday to Saturday, Li met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to him.

Li briefed Aliyev on the great achievements of the People’s Republic of China since its founding 70 years ago, saying that the Communist Party of China is forging ahead on the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics in line with China’s national conditions.

The socialism with Chinese characteristics has now entered a new era, and China under the leadership of Xi is striving to achieve its “two centenary goals” and realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Li told Aliyev.

China deems Azerbaijan as an important partner in Eurasia and is ready to implement the blueprint made by Xi and Aliyev on the development of bilateral ties, further cement political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation in various areas, and jointly safeguard the two countries’ security and development interests, Li said.

Aliyev asked Li to convey his best wishes to Xi and said he had witnessed the great changes in China with his own eyes during his repeated trips to the country and that he admired such achievements.

Azerbaijan-China relations are developing rapidly with a rosy future, he said, adding that his country firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and intends to combat jointly with China the “three forces” of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and improve their coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues.

LEGISLATIVE EXCHANGES

During a meeting with Ogtay Asadov, speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, Li said his visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two legislatures and implementing the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state.

The Chinese top legislator suggested both sides increase interactions at various levels, exchange experience on governing the countries, and provide legal assurance for bilateral practical cooperation.

Every country has a unique history, national situation and culture, so different civilizations should coexist harmoniously and learn from each other, Li said.

The NPC of China is willing to work with the National Assembly of Azerbaijan to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, learn from each other, and cement public support for bilateral relations, he said.

Asadov said Li was the first top Chinese legislator to visit Azerbaijan in 19 years and that the trip has injected new vitality into the development of bilateral relations and the interactions between the two legislatures.

Azerbaijan and China have signed many cooperation deals and the two legislatures should help to deliver on the agreements, Asadov said.

An increasing number of Azerbaijani people are interested in Chinese culture and there is a need to promote educational, cultural and youth exchanges, he said.

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

At a meeting with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov, Li said Azerbaijan is located at the junction of Europe and Asia and is an important country along the Belt and Road.

Li said China is ready to boost economic and trade exchanges with Azerbaijan and enhance cooperation with the country in jointly building the Belt and Road and achieve more cooperation outcomes in such fields as energy, agriculture, transportation, logistics, tourism and informatization.

He welcomed Azerbaijan to the second China International Import Expo to be held in early November in Shanghai.

Mammadov said his country was among the earliest participants in the Belt and Road Initiative and is ready to expand cooperation with China in various areas.

He welcomed more Chinese investments in Azerbaijan and expected cooperation with China on the construction of a Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor so that more Chinese goods can hit the Eurasian market via Azerbaijan.

During his stay in Baku, Li also visited the Heydar Aliyev Center and a carpet museum, and laid a wreath at the tomb of former President Heydar Aliyev and the Eternal Flame.

Source: Xinhua

19/06/2019

China’s top legislator holds talks with Egypt’s parliament speaker

CHINA-BEIJING-LI ZHANSHU-EGYPT-PARLIAMENT SPEAKER-TALKS (CN)

Li Zhanshu (R), chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Egypt’s Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal in Beijing, capital of China, June 18, 2019. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), held talks with Egypt’s Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal here on Tuesday.

The two also attended the first phase of the fifth meeting of the exchange mechanism between Chinese and Egyptian parliaments.

Hailing the sound development of bilateral ties in the past, Li said China has always viewed and promoted the China-Egypt ties from a strategic height and a long-term perspective and worked together with Egypt to support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns.

China stands ready to enhance alignment of development strategies with Egypt, intensify Belt and Road cooperation so as to lift bilateral ties to a new level, he said.

Stressing that China stands for further consolidation of an open, inclusive, transparent, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system, Li called China and Egypt to enhance unity and cooperation and contribute to the common development of developing countries and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Li also called on the NPC and Egypt’s Parliament to strengthen exchanges at different levels, in various forms and via different channels, give full play to the role of the exchange mechanism between the two legislature bodies and share experiences on legislation, supervision and state governance so as to inject new impetus into bilateral ties.

Ali said Egypt speaks highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and believes that it will bring huge opportunities to bilateral cooperation.

Egypt will as always firmly support China on issues of China’s major concerns and is ready to enhance bilateral cooperation in fighting terrorism and coordination in international affairs, Ali said, adding that Egypt’s parliament looks forward to closer cooperation with the NPC.

Also on Tuesday, Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, met with Ali.

The CPPCC is willing to strengthen exchanges with Egyptians in all sectors of society and play an active role in deepening the friendship between the two peoples and promoting the development of bilateral relations, said Wang.

Source: Xinhua

30/05/2019

China’s top legislator meets Nigerien president

CHINA-BEIJING-LI ZHANSHU-NIGER'S PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

Li Zhanshu (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), meets with Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2019. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) — China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu met with visiting Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou on Wednesday, exchanging views on pushing forward the relationship between the two countries.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), said China stands ready to work with Niger to implement the important consensus made by the two heads of state to lift the bilateral ties to a higher level.

Both the Chinese and African people experienced anti-imperialist and anti-colonial struggles in the past, and both face the task of getting rid of poverty and backwardness and achieving development and prosperity, Li said.

China and Africa have created a new model of South-South cooperation, Li said.

The NPC is willing to strengthen exchanges with the National Assembly of Niger and promote state-to-state friendly cooperation, he said.

Issoufou said Niger thanks China for its long-term support and assistance, and is willing to learn from China’s development experience, actively participate in jointly building the Belt and Road and strengthen pragmatic cooperation.

Source: Xinhua

28/05/2019

China, Serbia eye closer bilateral tie

CHINA-BEIJING-LI ZHANSHU-SERBIA-MEETING (CN)

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), meets with Veroljub Arsic, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2019. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) — China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu Monday met with Veroljub Arsic, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, here Monday, calling for closer bilateral ties.

Calling China and Serbia “sincere friends of each other,” Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), said the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has been lifted to a new high under the guidance of the two heads of state.

Bilateral pragmatic cooperation has been at the forefront of the Belt and Road cooperation, Li added.

He called on both countries to consolidate traditional friendship, continue to firmly support each other on core interests and issues of major concern, set examples of political mutual trust, common development and people-to-people exchanges so as to build a closer community with shared interests and a shared future.

Li also called on the two legislatures to enhance cooperation in areas including legislation, supervision and governance in order to better implement the consensus of the two heads of state.

Arsic said the National Assembly of Serbia stands ready to intensify exchanges with the NPC and give full play to the cooperation committee between the legislatures of Serbia and China, to make new contributions to boosting practical cooperation between the two countries and friendship between the two peoples.

Source: Xinhua

22/05/2019

China’s top legislator seeks to tap cooperation potentials with Austria

AUSTRIA-VIENNA-LI ZHANSHU-AUSTRIAN PRESIDENT-MEET

Li Zhanshu (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), meets with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna, Austria, on May 20, 2019. China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu paid an official friendly visit from May 18 to 21 to Austria, where he met with Austrian leaders on promoting bilateral ties and expressed China’s stance on upholding multilateralism and free trade. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

VIENNA, May 21 (Xinhua) — China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu paid an official friendly visit from May 18 to 21 to Austria, where he met with Austrian leaders on promoting bilateral ties and expressed China’s stance on upholding multilateralism and free trade.

EXCHANGING VIEWS ON TIES AND GLOBAL ISSUES

In meeting with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s greetings.

He said during the Austrian president’s state visit to China in April last year, the two countries’ heads of state jointly established a new orientation for bilateral ties, which pushed forward the ties to usher in a new stage.

“China is willing to work together with the Austrian side to implement the important consensus of the two heads of state and promote the in-depth development of cooperation in various fields,” said Li.

During the meeting, Li and Van der Bellen also exchanged in-depth views on issues of common concerns, including free trade, climate change, and the Iranian nuclear issue.

Li said China always adheres to the principle of mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit and common development in dealing with the relationship between countries.

“Maintaining multilateralism and free trade is the common responsibility of the international community. Unilateralism and trade protectionism are not in line with the world trend,” said Li, adding that unilateral withdrawal and unilateral sanctions will not only harm other countries but also harm the interests of the countries which take the moves.

Li said China advocates that economic and trade differences should be resolved through negotiation and consultation. In the meantime, people who conduct negotiations must follow a bottom line and some principles, conform to international trade rules, adhere to equality, mutual benefit, and non-discrimination, and resolutely oppose “long-arm jurisdiction”.

China is willing to work with countries including Austria to uphold multilateralism and free trade, work together to address global challenges, and promote the building of a community of shared future for the mankind, said Li.

For his part, Van der Bellen spoke highly of the development of bilateral ties, and highly appreciated China’s positive role in global affairs. He said that the Austrian side shares the same or similar position with China on many issues.

The two sides should strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, support liberalization and facilitation in trade and investment, jointly address climate change, and promote friendly cooperation to yield more results, the president said.

TO FURTHER TAP COOPERATION POTENTIALS

When meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Li said jointly building the “Belt and Road” has become a new growth point for bilateral cooperation. The two sides should adhere to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and continuously explore and tap the potential of cooperation.

Li called on the two countries to deepen cooperation in fields like high-end manufacturing, energy conservation, environmental protection, ecological agriculture, tourism, and finance. And the two sides are expected to actively explore innovative cooperation in such area as the Internet, big data, artificial intelligence and 5G technology.

Noting China is preparing for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, Li said China will learn from Austria’s experience, and carry out cooperation in athlete training, winter sports education and research, and winter sports equipment.

“China always regards Europe as a comprehensive strategic partner and an important global power which is indispensable,” said Li, adding that China is happy to see Europe maintain unity, stability, openness and prosperity, and supports the integration process in Europe.

Kurz said that the Belt and Road Initiative has set up a new platform for equal cooperation among the countries in the world. China is Austria’s largest trading partner in Asia, and the two countries have strong economic complementarities.

Noting the two sides share strong aspiration of deepening cooperation, Kurz said the cooperation potential is huge, and more investment from Chinese companies as well as more Chinese tourists are welcome to Austria.

TO ENHANCE EXCHANGES BETWEEN LEGISLATIVE BODIES

In his respective talks with Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka and Federal Council President Ingo Appe, Li said the cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies should “closely follow the pace of development of state-to-state relations,” through cementing mutual understanding and exchanging experience on such areas as legislative supervision in regular visits, so as to create a good law environment for pragmatic cooperation.

Noting that people-to-people and cultural exchanges have always been the most active part of China-Austria relations, Li called on the legislative bodies to “respond to the voices of the people” by promoting cooperation in art, music, sports, and local areas, and advancing exchanges among young people.

The two leaders of the Austrian parliament expressed the willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the National People’s Congress of China, saying the Austrian side highly values the development of ties between the two countries. They will promote the implementation of the bilateral cooperation agreement, and forge ahead personnel and culture exchanges between the two countries.

During his stay in Austria, Li also met with regional officials from Salzburg to discuss cooperation between local areas of the two countries. Li and Van der Bellen also attended a ceremony in which a giant panda from China was officially handed over to the Austrian side.

After wrapping up his tour in Norway on May 18, Li’s stay in Austria marked the second lag of his 10-day tour in Europe, which will also take him to Hungary.

Source: Xinhua

19/05/2019

China’s top legislator visits Norway to promote bilateral ties

NORWAY-OSLO-LI ZHANSHU-NORWEGIAN KING-MEETING

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), meets with Norwegian King Harald V in Oslo, Norway, May 16, 2019. China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu paid an official friendly visit to Norway from May 15 to 18, expecting to promote the development of Sino-Norwegian ties to score more progress. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

OSLO, May 18 (Xinhua) — China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu paid an official friendly visit to Norway from May 15 to 18, expecting to promote the development of Sino-Norwegian ties to score more progress.

During the stay in Norway, Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), met with Norwegian King Harald V, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and President of the Norwegian parliament Storting Tone Wilhelmsen Troen.

When meeting with Norwegian King Harald V, Li conveyed the greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the King, and expressed congratulations on the Norwegian National Day, which falls on May 17.

Li said during the King’s successful visit to China last year, the two heads of state made strategic plans for the development of bilateral relations in the new era. As this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Norway, the two sides are expected to seize the opportunity to cement friendship and expand cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and treating each other equally, so as to realize better development of bilateral relations.

Harald V expressed gratitude to China’s friendliness to the Norwegian side, saying Norway admires China’s tremendous development achievements. He said Norway is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as winter sports, and will make efforts to help China successfully host the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

When meeting with Solberg, Li said although Sino-Norwegian relations have experienced ups and downs, friendship and cooperation has always been the main theme of the ties. As both countries share common interests on safeguarding current global mechanism, building an open world economy, the two sides should jointly support multilateralism and free trade. Moreover, the two countries have similar development concepts and share strong economic complementarities, so the outlook of bilateral cooperation is very broad.

Norway is welcome to actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. And bilateral cooperation on economy, trade, environmental protection, science and technology, people-to-people exchanges and tourism is expected to be forged ahead, said China’s top legislator.

“China hopes the Norwegian side provides a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises’ investment and operation in Norway,” said Li.

Solberg said bilateral cooperation has maintained sound momentum since the normalization of bilateral ties, expecting the two sides to push forward talks on inking a free trade deal and deepen cooperation in such areas as maritime affairs, shipping, fishery and environmental protection. She also voiced the will to advance communication and collaboration with China on issues concerning the United Nations, coping with the climate change and Arctic affairs.

When respectively meeting with Troen and members of the parliament’s standing committee on foreign affairs and defense, Li introduced China’s development path and political system.

“The reasons why China continues to make new development achievements are that we have embarked on a development path that suits our national conditions. This is the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics,” said Li, stressing that the Chinese people will unswervingly follow this path.

He said that the NPC of China is willing to work with the Norwegian parliament to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen friendly exchanges at all levels, enhance understanding and trust through frank dialogues, and create a favorable environment for pragmatic cooperation.

Troen said that this visit is of great significance as Li’s tour marks the first visit of a Chinese leader since the normalization of bilateral relations in 2016. The Norwegian parliament is willing to carry out all-round exchanges and cooperation with the NPC of China, and make positive contributions to the development of state-to-state ties.

The two legislators also exchanged views on jointly safeguarding multilateral trade system, sustainable development and other issues of common concerns.

On May 16, Li attended the economic and trade conference in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of Norway-China diplomatic relations. He said in a speech that President Xi’s proposal of the high-quality development of jointly building the Belt and Road and the policy of China’s further expansion of opening up have provided new opportunities for the common development of all countries. The two countries’ enterprises are expected to seize the opportunity, tap cooperation potentials, so as to translate the desire for strong cooperation into more practical results.

During the tour, Li visited the Chinese skiers who were training in Norway and encouraged them to train hard and carry out bilateral friendship.

He also visited a local ecological agriculture project, an oil gas processing plant, and met with local officials in Norway’s southwestern county of Rogaland and its southern city of Stavanger.

Norway is the first lag of Li’s ten-day tour in Europe, which will also take him to Austria and Hungary.

Source: Xinhua

13/05/2019

China’s top legislator to visit Norway, Austria, Hungary

BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) — China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu will pay an official friendly visit to Norway, Austria and Hungary from May 15 to 24.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will make the visit at the invitation of President of the Norwegian parliament Storting Tone Wilhelmsen Troen, Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka and Federal Council President Ingo Appe, and Hungarian Parliament Speaker Laszlo Kover.

Source: Xinhua

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