On October 27, 2006, Chairman Jia Qinglin of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) met with Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus in Vilnius. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on bilateral ties and major international and regional issues of common interest in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

Jia first conveyed the cordial greetings and best wishes from President Hu Jintao to Adamkus and congratulated on the positive achievements of Adamkus's visit to China this September.

Adamkus extended warm welcome for Jia's visit and recalled with delight his successful state visit to China not long ago. He thanked the Chinese side for their warm and thoughtful hospitality and asked Jia to convey his cordial greetings and best wishes to Hu.

Jia said China always upholds that all countries, big or small, should respect each other and treat each other as equals. China is one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Lithuania and always deems Lithuania a good friend and partner. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, both sides have maintained frequent high-level exchanges, increased political trust, scored positive achievements in exchanges and cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, culture, education, sports and tourism and kept close communication, mutual understanding and support in international affairs, he said. Jia said Chinese President Hu Jintao and Admkus reached important agreements last month during Adamkus' official visit to China, providing guidance for the further development of the two countries' friendly and cooperative relations. China is ready to work with Lithuania to implement the consensus in a bid to push for the development of bilateral ties based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Jia added.

During the meeting, Adamkus said both sides share increasing common interest, as well as a strong aspiration to further bilateral ties. The two sides have the same or similar views on many major international issues and have conducted sound cooperation in international affairs, he said. China's rapid economic growth opens up a broader prospect for bilateral trade cooperation, he said, adding that the Lithuanian side is ready to broaden the scope of cooperation, especially in the fields of science, technology and biological engineering.  Kirkilas said the Lithuanian government encourages businesses of both countries to set up direct links to realize mutual benefit and common development.

Jia said the CPPCC is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Lithuanian parliament and people from all walks of life so as to make positive contributions to the development of bilateral ties.

On relations between China and the European Union, Jia said strengthening Sino-EU relations forms an important part of China's foreign policy, serves both sides' interests and is also conducive to Asia-Europe cooperation, as well as world peace and development. China will make joint efforts with EU countries including Lithuania to further push ahead with the development of Sino-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and promote world peace and common development, he added.

Adamkus said as China's friend and a new EU member, Lithuania will play a constructive role in pushing forward EU-China relations.

Secretary-General of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Zheng Wantong and other officials attended the meeting.