China and Malaysia should quicken steps to map out an action plan for strategic cooperation, top legislator Wu Bangguo said on Saturday.

"China-Malaysia relations have entered a new development stage. At present, the two sides should pick up paces to frame an action plan for strategic cooperation," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Wu made the remarks while meeting with Ramli Ngah Talib, speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives, lower house of the Malaysian parliament.

Ramli arrived in Beijing Friday for a five-day visit at the invitation of Wu.

The NPC highly values relations with the Malaysian parliament, said Wu, adding that it is his hope the friendship groups and special committees of the two parliaments will further their exchanges to breathe fresh air into bilateral relations.

In response, Ramli said China's image of pursuing peaceful development and being a responsible member of the international community has won international respect and understanding.

He said Malaysia has always stood for and will continue adhering to the one-China policy.

Malaysia is ready to deepen its cooperation with China in such areas like trade, tourism and investment, said Ramli.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2007)