"The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) will strengthen its foreign contacts in 2007 and make greater contributions to diplomacy and the construction of a harmonious world," said CPPCC Chairman Jia Qinglin at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Session of the 10th National Committee of CPPCC on March 3 in the Great Hall of the People.

"The CPPCC will strive to develop foreign contacts in a steady and pragmatic manner in line with the guideline for the country's diplomatic work. Efforts will be pooled to promote high-level exchange of visits and expand friendly communication and cooperation with relevant nations, institutions, international organizations and non-governmental organizations," added Jia.

The chairman also stressed the unique role of the Committee on Religion and Peace in strengthening cooperation with foreign counterparts and maintaining and promoting world peace.

In the past year, the CPPCC organized visits of 20 delegations to 49 countries, 10 of which were high-level visits led by CPPCC chairman or vice chairmen. Meanwhile, it hosted 15 visiting delegations from 12 countries and two international organizations. During the year, the CPPCC established friendly relations with 13 institutions of five countries and three international or regional organizations.

Jia introduced the achievements made by China in its reform and opening-up endeavors and the modernization drive, and expounded its policy of peaceful development and commitment to the common prosperity of a harmonious world.

Jia's speech also highlighted the significance of China's system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation, and stressed the need to deepen the international community's understanding of China's persistence in the road of peaceful development.

In addition, according to Jia, positive results have been achieved by the CPPCC in its work concerning China's addressing of major issues like sovereignty and national interests, while helping enhance the international community's understanding of China's political system and political consultation process.

The Standing Committee of the CPPCC has engaged the offices of the Social and Economic Commission and the Committee on Religion and Peace as a channel for its foreign contacts, said Jia. The Social and Economic Commission of China and its counterpart in the EU have established a mechanism for holding regular roundtable meetings, and successfully convened the annual meeting of the International Association and its Management Committee last year.

Strengthening international cooperation, promoting common development and building a harmonious world will be the theme for the 10th Plenary Session of the International Association this June in Beijing.