Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju said in Beijing Sunday that countries, big or small, strong or weak, are all equal members in the international community.

Huang, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with a delegation of the Democratic Party of Cyprus (DPC) headed by its acting chairman Nicos Cleanthous. They have attended the third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) in Beijing.

During the meeting, Huang expressed his hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to further the friendly cooperation in all areas.

The CPC is willing to increase exchanges with the DPC so as to push forward the relations between the two countries, Huang added.

Huang appreciated Cyprus' stance of adhering to the one-China policy.

Cleanthous thanked the CPC for inviting his party to attend the ICAPP, saying that China has been playing bigger role in the world, which is of great importance to Cyprus, he said.

More than 350 delegates of 81 political parties and organizations from 35 countries participated in the conference with the theme of "Exchange, Cooperation and Development."

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2004)