The friendly exchanges and cooperation between the legislatures of China and Jamaica constitute a crucial part of bilateral relations, Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Beijing Tuesday.  

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China's legislature, the NPC, and the parliament of Jamaica both play vital roles in each country's political and social life. He said the NPC is ready to strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation with the parliament of Jamaica so as to promote the development of Sino-Jamaican relations and bilateral cooperation in various fields.

During a meeting with visiting Jamaican Prime Minister Percival Noel James Patterson in the Great Hall of the People Tuesday afternoon, Wu said that since China and Jamaica are both developing countries, strengthening mutually beneficial links goes with the basic interests of the people of both countries.

Wu made positive comments on the growth of bilateral relations, citing frequent exchange of high-level visits, improving mutual trust, fruitful economic cooperation, growing cultural and educational exchanges and close coordination in international affairs.

Wu said China and Jamaica share mutual complementarity in trade and economy. Bilateral cooperation in this sphere has solid basis, good momentum and great potential. He said China is ready to join efforts with Jamaica to continuously advance the friendly cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Wu also briefed the Jamaican guests about China's economy and development.

Patterson said since his visit to China seven years ago, the two countries have seen healthy growth of bilateral links in political, economic and other fields. Exchanges between political parties and other areas of the two countries have also increased.

As the two countries signed a number of new agreements on cooperation Monday, a new leaf has been turned on bilateral relations, Patterson said.

Patterson held talks with Premier Wen Jiabao Monday. The two sides agreed to further strengthen economic and political ties.

Patterson welcomes Chinese companies to explore the market of Jamaica. He expressed the wish that the two countries should expand cooperation in such fields as tourism, culture and sports.

Patterson also said the parliament of Jamaica will actively conduct exchanges and cooperation with the NPC in a bid to promote all-round progress of bilateral relations.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2005)