Lu Yongxiang, Chinese President Hu Jintao's envoy to attend the inauguration of newly-elected Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Saturday met in Kiev with the chairman of the Supreme Council of Ukraine, Vladimir Litvin.

During their meeting, Lu, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee of China and president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said China and Ukraine have enjoyed traditional friendship and bilateral relations have developed smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 13 years ago.

China attaches great importance to the all-round relationship of friendly cooperation with Ukraine, which features long-term stability, deep trust and coordination, he added.

Lu said China has always supported the Ukrainian people's endeavor to maintain national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China respects the choice of the Ukrainian people and wished the stability and development of Ukraine under the new leadership and further development of Sino-Ukrainian ties.

For his part, Litvin said Ukraine warmly welcomed Lu's presenceat Sunday's inauguration ceremony as the Chinese president's envoy,saying this signified the great importance attached by the Chinesegovernment and people to ties with Ukraine.

Ukraine has long regarded China as a sincere friend and would take further measures to boost friendly ties with China, said Litvin.

Litvin reaffirmed that Ukraine will adhere to the one-China policy.

Source: Xinhua