Chinese top legislator Li Peng said in Moscow Tuesday that promoting a strategic partnership of cooperation with Russia is China's established policy, and such a policy will not be altered whatever happens in the world.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, made the remark during a meeting with Yegor Stroyev, chairman of Russia's Federation Council, or upper house of parliament.

Stroyev said Moscow highly values its relations with China, and Russian President Vladimir Putin's successful trip to China was a manifestation of the continued development of the bilateral strategic partnership.

Li arrived in Moscow Monday on a nine-day official visit to Russia. Besides Moscow, he will also travel to Novosibirsk and Vladivostock.

He said China and Russia hold identical or similar views on many issues; both share the view that the world is facing the trends of multipolarization and economic globalization; and both countries believe that all states have the right to choose their own road of development and to live in accordance with their own ways.

The Chinese leader said that Putin's recent visit to China breathed new life into their bilateral ties.

Stroyev extended a warm welcome to Li on his visit. He said the Russian Federation Council and China's NPC have had frequent contacts; Federation Council delegations have visited China many times, and during each of the visits, the Russian delegates experienced profound affection toward Russia.

The two countries should work together to fight against extreme nationalism and maintain stability, Stroyev said, adding that Russia needs to take China's experiences as a reference in its economic and social development.

Following the talks between Li and Stroyev, the two sides signed an agreement on cooperation between the general affairs departments of the NPC and the Federation Council.

(Xinhua 09/13/2000)