BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Li Peng, chairman of the Standing
Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met here Monday
with Nguyen Van An, chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam,
and his party.
   Li extended a warm welcome to Nguyen Van An and his delegation,
who will attend the upcoming annual meeting of the Association of
Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP).
   Li said that frequent high-profile visits between the two
countries have enhanced friendship among the two peoples and
pushed forward good-neighborly relations.
   He said that under the guiding principle set by the two
countries' leaders in 1999, China and Vietnam can smoothly develop
good relations between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the
Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).
   During his last visit to Vietnam, President Jiang Zemin,
general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, exchanged views on
bilateral relations and international issues with Vietnamese
leaders, Li said.
   In recent years, the two countries have made great progress in
trade and economic cooperation. Meanwhile, they coordinated with
each other in regional and international issues, Li said.
   In addition, the NPC attaches great importance to cooperation
and exchange with Vietnam's National Assembly, Li said, adding
that the close relationship between the two sides is an important
bridge between the two peoples.
   Nguyen Van An said he is happy to lead the delegation and
attend the AAPP annual meeting.
   He said his delegation cherishes the chance to observe the
great achievements scored by the Chinese people in the past two
decades.
   In a drive to greatly enhance its economy, Vietnam adopts the
policy of reform and opening-up, which has proved a wise one, he
said.
   He expressed the hope that the upcoming AAPP annual meeting
will be a complete success.    Enditem