On October 11, Li Peng, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, met with Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema.


Chairman Li said the friendly feelings move China and Togo closer across the geographical distance that separates us. China values its traditional friendship with Togo. The friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have witnessed steady and healthy growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties 28 years ago. The two countries have conducted sincere and friendly cooperation with satisfactory results in various fields. Chairman Li said that in international affairs, China and Togo have always been supporting and coordinate with each other.


Chairman Li said China has always held that Africa has a very great potential of development and a bright future. Like people of other regions and countries, the African people are fully entitled to choosing their own political system and road of development that fits the domestic situation of the country. He noted that China and Africa should make concerted efforts to promote the establishment of a new international political and economic order thus creating more favorable conditions for their own development. Li said the National People's Congress of China welcomes visits by parliament leaders and figures from all walks of life in Togo for the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship.


Eyadema expressed his appreciation of China's independent foreign policy of peace and its support to Togo over the past years. On the situation in Africa, the Togolese President said Africa is richly endowed with natural resources, but the resources have not been fully taped, due to the lack of a peaceful, safe and stable environment. He noted that it is a very important and timely move on the Chinese side to advocate and host the China-Africa Cooperation Forum -- Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000 and provide an opportunity for discussing major issues of common concern.


Eyadema stressed that Togo highly appreciate China's principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs and respect for the rights of all countries in choosing their own road of development. The African people have experience of this principle. Which kind of democratic model African countries should adopt depends on the actual situation in Africa. He reiterated that the Togolese government would stick to the One-China policy. Chairman Li Peng expressed his appreciation of this stance.