BEIJING, Jan. 31, 2008 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain
Norbu paid a formal visit to China's top legislator Wu Bangguo in
Beijing on Thursday.

     Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress (NPC), extended greetings for the Spring Festival and the new
year under the Tibetan calendar.

     Wu congratulated the Panchen Lama on his achievements and
improvements in all areas and called on him to further study policies
made in the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

     Wu encouraged the living Buddha to take responsibility to enhance
China's reunification and do more things that could benefit the country.

     Wu also urged the Panchen Lama, one of the most influential
religious leaders in Tibet, to constantly improve Buddhism's
accomplishments and seriously follow Buddhist taboos.

     During the visit, which was held in the Great Hall of People at the
heart of Beijing, the living Buddha presented a had a (a long piece of
silk used as a greeting gift) respectfully to the top Chinese legislator.

     The Panchen Lama said that he had gained in-depth understanding of
the CPC's pursuit of interest for the common people after attending the
17th CPC National Congress as a non-voting delegate.

     He vowed to support the CPC's leadership and make more
contributions to the Tibetan economy and social harmony by guiding more
religious work to adapt to China's socialist society.

Editor: Yan Liang