China attaches importance to stronger cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and stands ready to play a more positive role in IPU affairs, top legislator Wu Bangguo said in New York Wednesday.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, arrived here Tuesday to attend the Second World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, which is scheduled to start later Wednesday.

During his meetings with IPU President Sergio Paez and Secretary-General Anders Johnsson, Wu said the upcoming conference of parliamentary heads is another important international gathering following the 2000 UN Millennium Assembly and marks a new milestone in IPU-UN cooperation.

Wu said the IPU, the world's biggest, longest-standing and most influential international organization of parliaments, provides an important stage for multilateral cooperation among all parliaments.

He thanked Paez and Johnsson for the IPU's upholding justice on issues concerning Chinese sovereignty, and for their support for China's participation in IPU activities.

China stands ready to work with parliaments of other countries in strengthening coordination, seeking common ground while reserving differences and broadening common understanding, so as to contribute to the upcoming conference's success.

Paez, for his part, said the mission of the Second World Conference of Presidents of Parliaments is to promote international peace and cooperation.

He said the IPU would continue to deepen its cooperation with the NPC, noting that China, as an important IPU member, plays an important role in advancing multilateral cooperation, safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

Paez reiterated the IPU's adherence to the one-China policy.

Johnsson thanked Wu and the NPC delegation for their support in the upcoming parliamentary summit, saying the IPU highly values its cooperation with the NPC and hopes the Chinese side would play an important role in the coming conference and in overall IPU functions.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2005)