Wu Guanzheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met in Beijing Thursday with a delegation from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, led by Chairman Gennady Zyuganov, and a delegation from the United Russian Party, led by Alexander Vladislavlev.

Wu said China and Russia have developed smooth relations in recent years. The Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was signed by the two state leaders in 2001, laid a solid basis for the sustained, stable and comprehensive development of the relationship.

The projects agreed to in the treaty have been implemented, and the strategic partnership between China and Russia has been further strengthened, Wu said.

He said China attaches great importance to enhancing its friendly ties with Russia. With concerted efforts, he added, the two countries will have a bright future in their relationship.

Wu also said he valued the ties between the CPC and the two Russian parties. He said the CPC is determined, as always, to further develop friendship with the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the United Russian Party, which might benefit the state-to-state relationship.

The Russian guests expressed their thanks for having been invited to the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

Zyuganov said the conference is significant not only to Asia, but to the world as a whole.

Vladislavlev said Russia and China should enhance their cooperation to advance their relationship.

Both parties are in Beijing to attend the third ICAPP, scheduled from September 3 to 5.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2004)