国内英语新闻:Chinese vice president meets Lee Kuan Yew

SINGAPORE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met here on Sunday with Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, vowing to elevating bilateral ties into a higher level.

During the meeting, Xi spoke highly of Lee Kuan Yew's contribution to the development of the relations between China and Singapore.

Xi said Singapore has actively participated in and supported China's drive of reform and opening up and its modernization construction, and China has learned from Singapore's experience in various aspects.

Xi noted that the Suzhou Industrial Park, initiated by Lee Kuan Yew, has become a successful model for joint cooperation of mutual benefits, it has also embodies China's determination and eagerness to learn.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L front) meets with Minister Mentor of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore, Nov. 14, 2010.

Looking ahead, Xi said the Chinese side attaches great importance to its cooperation with Singapore, hoping to smoothly implement cooperation projects.

The Chinese side is willing to join hands with the Singapore side to lift the political trust, cooperation and communication between the two sides into a higher level, Xi said.

The vice president also told Lee that China is still a developing country despite that it has scored marked social and economic development.

He said China will continue to adhere to its good-neighborly foreign policy, seek substantial cooperation with its neighboring countries and dedicate to forging a peaceful, steady and cooperative environment in the region.

Lee, on his part, spoke highly of China's remarkable achievements and the good momentum of the Singapore-China relations.

Lee, who has visited China for many times, said it is of vital importance for the two sides to maintain close cooperation and learn from each other.