On the eve of the 16th CPC Congress, Mr Gahli received an exclusive interview by Global Times at l'OIF headquarter in Paris.

Changes in China surprise western people

I visited China more than ten times. The first time I saw all people walking along the street, and the second time they were on bicycles. Then cars appeared, and now all the streets are filled with cars, including luxury ones.

Another deep impression is that great changes have taken place in China's city construction, with high-rises in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Dalian and other cities, especially those in Pudong that astonished many westerners. I visited almost all countries in the world and there are only few countries like China in which every city presents a booming prosperity.

China has indeed achieved a lot in material construction, but what impressed me most is the enhancement of population quality. Since the reform and opening up, the Chinese people, in their exchanges with the outside world, have not only spread the ancient Chinese civilization to the world, but also absorbed essences of western civilization.

Especially the new-generation Chinese scholars, their researching capability on international problems is astonishing, and university students, international problem experts, NPC or CPPCC deputies all can raise questions that hit the crucial point, and I have to think over before answering them.

I admire the political caliber and leading competence of Chinese leaders

China's achievement has much to do with its leaders' wisdom. As early as acting as foreign minister of Egypt, I made contacts with Li Xiannian, chairman of the People's Republic of China. Li was then visiting African countries including Egypt, and we exchanged views on focal questions such as Ethiopia and Somali conflicts. Then, as UN secretary-general I met other Chinese leaders as Jiang Zemin and Li Peng at other occasions, and I was deeply impressed by their political caliber and leading competence.

At a historical moment in which a new generation of leaders is going to be elected, the 16th Party Congress is certainly a big event for Chinese society that draws attention of the world. What's more is that the "power transition" is conducted with a steadfast and peaceful way as such that guarantees the continuation of the guiding lines as well as a solid foundation for social progress and development. I have also heard the "Three Represents" thought. I think that one of the reasons for the CPC's success is that the Chinese society under its leadership is backed up with a belief and ideological system, a spiritual support that many countries fall short of. I believe that the belief will be continuously carried on by leaders of a new generation.

China's economic miracles are results of joint efforts of Party and people

China's economic development is even felt by western world. Now we can see everywhere the "Made in China" labels and myself bought many times China-made garments, they are of very good quality. Besides handicraft products and household electric appliances, western people also developed an interest in Chinese culture, which is clearly seen in thrones of foreign tourists coming to China every year. I'm glad to see China's successful bidding of 2008 Olympic games, by then China will surely attract more attention from the rest of the world.

Besides, I want to stress that China's economic miracles are the result of hard work by Chinese people as a whole under the Party's wise policies. Many times' visits told me that Chinese people are very hard working and always ready to make contributions.

China-funded buildings seen in many African countries

As a permanent member of UN Security Council, China is playing an important role in international affairs, and I was deeply impressed by the support and aid China provided to the third world countries. In our capital Cairo, a conference center is built by donation from China, and in all African countries I once visited, I can see office buildings and schools built on China's donation. As a developing country not rich, China generously aided other countries in poverty while developing its own economy, the internationalist spirit is commendable in today's world.

Finally, I would like to express again my wishes and expectation of China. I hope that China, while developing economy of its own, will play a more active role on the world political arena, for China needs the world, but the world needs China even more.

(People's Daily November 13, 2002)