Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), met in Beijing Wednesday with Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.  

Wu said that after China adopted the reform and opening-up policy two decades ago, the Chinese people had enjoyed real benefits and therefore they supported the continuity of this policy.

Wu said that China is fully confident of resolving the problems arising in the course of development and achieving sustained development.

He also said that the NPC is willing to carry out multi-level exchanges and cooperation with its Singaporean counterpart.

With regard to Sino-Singaporean relations, Wu said that the bilateral relations have been entered into a new stage of comprehensive partnership.

Wu reiterated China's stand on the Taiwan issue. He said that the Taiwan issue is of vital importance to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Goh said that his meetings with Chinese leaders were fruitful. He said the two sides have reached common ground on expanding bilateral cooperation.

He said his country is willing to actively participate in the modernization drive of China.

Goh said Singapore will stick to the one-China policy and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2003)