China's top legislator Wu Bangguo met with Chaudhry Amir Hussain, speaker of the Pakistani National Assembly, in Beijing on Wednesday. Wu suggested that the National People's Congress (NPC) and National Assembly build on established cooperative ties to promote exchanges on lawmaking and supervision in the future.

Wu pointed out that Sino-Pakistani friendship has withstood the tests of time and changing international situations.

The leaders of the two countries have maintained frequent contacts and consulted on major international and regional issues. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has expanded, with a number of large projects running smoothly.

He said that the further promotion of Sino-Pakistani relations conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. "China is thankful for the support of Pakistan on the Taiwan, Tibet and human rights issues," he said.

Hussain said Pakistan and China have enjoyed an "all-weather" friendship. He expressed gratitude for China's assistance to Pakistan, and reaffirmed that Pakistan supports China's positions on Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

He expressed condolences to the Chinese victims in the recent hostage incident in Pakistan, and stated that the Pakistani government will intensify strikes against terrorism to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2004)