Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, met in Beijing Tuesday with Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU commissioner for external relations and neighborhood policy.

 

Wu said that China has always attached great importance to the relations with the EU and is ready to make joint efforts with the EU to promote the healthy and in-depth development of the all-round strategic partnership between China and the EU.

 

"The exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of both sides are an important part of China-EU relations," Wu said. "And the mechanism of regular consultation and exchange of visits has provided an important platform for strengthening exchanges, enhancing understanding and building trust."

 

Wu said the two sides should strengthen friendly exchanges and make new contribution to enhancing friendship between the two peoples and deepening bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

 

Waldner said the EU will adhere to the one-China policy, support China's peaceful reunification and is willing to strengthen and expand friendly exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields.

 

Waldner was here for an official visit to China from January 16 to18 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

 

Wu also met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmonov on Tuesday. Wu said China is ready to work with Tajikistan to earnestly implement the treaty on good neighborly friendship and cooperation signed by Chinese and Tajik presidents on Monday.

 

Rakhmonov said the Tajik government supports the legislative bodies of both countries to strengthen cooperation and play a greater role in promoting bilateral relations.

 

Rakhmonov held talks with President Hu Jintao on Monday and attended a business and investment forum between China and Tajikistan on Tuesday together with Vice Premier Wu Yi.

 

Rakhmonov arrived here on Monday morning for a seven-day state visit to China as Hu's guest.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2007)