On the afternoon of March 21, 2002, Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Li Peng met with Ecuadorian President Novoa at the Great Hall of the People.

Li said that despite the long distance between China and Ecuador, the friendship between the two peoples has a remote source and runs a long course. In the recent years, the political relation between the two countries has been increasingly enhanced, and the cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, science and technology, and education has been expanded. Li expressed appreciation for Ecuadorian government's adherence to One China priciple and the precious understanding and support on human rights and China's entry to WTO .

Li said that the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries constitutes an important part of bilateral relations. For years the two parliaments have kept close contacts and cooperation. The Chinese NPC has established a special panel for parliamentary friendship between China and Ecuador, and this has played an important role in increasing the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and promoting the bilateral cooperation of mutual benefit. Chinese NPC and Chinese government cherish the friendly relations with Ecuador and are ready to work together with the Ecuadorian side to push forward the bilateral friendly relations.

Bejarano said his visit to China is to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries, so as to achieve closer political links and more substantial trade and economic cooperation.

Bejarano introduced the economic situation in Ecuador and noted that as an active initiator of an integrated South American economy, Ecuador is working with Brazil and Peru in making preparations for the construction of South American communication network. Ecuador welcomes Chinese investment in the construction of harbors and airports of the communication network.

Li noted that Latin America has abundant resources. As long as the countries in this area enhance their alliance and learn from each other's advantages to offset their own disadvantages, the economy in this area will be greatly elevated. Li said that China supports the efforts dedicated to realize the economic integration of the region , which is conducive to the process of polarization of the world and to the South-South cooperation. He also said China will encourage private enterprises to invest in Ecuador.