Chinese and Ukrainian parliament leaders said in Beijing Monday that they will enhance exchange and cooperation between the two parliaments, the National People's Congress of China and the Supreme Council of Ukraine, to contribute to the development of Sino-Ukrainian relations.  

"The NPC will conduct more friendly multi-level, multi-channel exchanges with the Ukrainian Supreme Council to promote friendly ties between the two countries," Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, told his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Litvin at the Great Hall of the People.

China and Ukraine have had "soundly developing relations, frequent exchange of high-level visits and enhanced political mutual trust" since they established diplomatic ties 13 years ago, Wu said.

"The two countries had good cooperation in those sectors such as economy, trade, science and technology, military technology, aviation and space flight. They also supported each other on major issues and on the international arena," he said.

Since the two economies share complementarity, China will stimulate economic and trade cooperation with Ukraine, especially between the two countries' big companies, Wu said.

Wu said he appreciated Ukraine's support for China's controversial positions on Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. Litvin said Ukraine understands and supports China's Anti-Secession Law and will adhere to the one-China policy.

"It's in the basic interest of Ukraine and Chinese people to promote relations between the two countries, and the Supreme Council will further strengthen exchange and cooperation with the Chinese National People's Congress," said Litvin, who is heading a Ukraine parliament delegation to China.

Before his meeting with Wu, Litvin had a one-hour meeting with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Jia hailed the development of Sino-Ukrainian ties, contributing the sound momentum to their support to each other on the issues of national independence, sovereignty and the integrity of territory.

Litvin told Jia that Ukraine will not establish official relations with the Taiwan authorities.

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2005)