Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the grand welcome ceremony held by Indonesian friends from different communities in Jakarta on March 26, 2006, at which he delivered a speech titled "Strengthen Exchange and Cooperation, Join Hands to Create a Beautiful Future".

Jia said that China and Indonesia enjoy ever-lasting traditional friendship and such profound friendship built up by the two countries in the long historical process has become the common wealth of both countries. Substantive progress has been made with bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The political trust in each other is ever deepening. The economic and trade cooperation scores striking achievements. The cooperation in other areas continues to develop. The two countries maintain close coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs. President Hu Jintao and President Susilo signed a joint declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership between the two countries last year, opening a new historical era for bilateral ties. I am convinced that with the concerted efforts of both sides, bilateral ties will embrace a more beautiful future.

Jia stressed that it is a firm choice of the Chinese people to adhere to the road to peaceful development. The Chinese people are keenly aware that only through peaceful means, can we achieve lasting and durable development, which will benefit not only the Chinese people and but also the people of all countries. China unswervingly pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and firmly follows the road to peaceful development. The development of China neither impedes nor threatens anyone. China's development will definitely benefit world peace, development and common prosperity.

Jia stated that China pursues a foreign policy of developing good-neighbourly ties and partnerships with our neighbours and seeks mutual benefits and win-win results with our neighbours. China imported a total of $440-billion goods from the Asian region last year alone and the figure will exceed $ 2 trillion in the coming 5 years. The foreign investment from Chinese enterprises will grow at a rate of over 20% and 80% of such growth is concentrated in Asia. Facts have proven that the development of China does bring about tangible benefits to Asian countries and the development of China is an opportunity for the development of Asia.

Jia noted that promoting the strategic partnership with ASEAN is an important part of China's diplomacy toward neighbouring countries. Indonesia is a country with major influence in ASEAN. Both Indonesia and China are members of "10+1" and "10+3" mechanisms. Both sides should strengthen exchange and cooperation, make new strides in bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and promote the constant growth of China-ASEAN relations within the framework of China-ASEAN cooperation.

Jia also introduced the economic development of China and expounded the principles and position of China on the Taiwan question. Jia indicated in the end that China and Indonesia are two important Asian nations. Common objectives bring us together and common challenges unite us together. Let's join hands to work for the peace and development of Asia and the building of a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity.

There are over 800 Indonesian friends from different communities present at the welcome ceremony, including Oesman Sapta, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Sukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono, General Chairman of the Association of Indonesia-China Economic Social and Cultural Cooperation and Hidayat, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). Prior to the ceremony, Jia also met the representatives of participants from different communities.