Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met in Beijing Thursday with former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid.  

Jia said he appreciated Wahid's efforts to promote China-Indonesia relations during and after his presidency.

Jia said that China and Indonesia are neighboring and influential developing countries, and their friendship is not only in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The bilateral relations have grown rapidly since the two countries resumed diplomatic ties, said Jia, adding that China will make joint efforts with Indonesia to improve the relations.

Wahid spoke highly of China's achievements, hoping Indonesia would strengthen cooperation with China to facilitate cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2003)