Wu made the remarks while meeting Sudanese National Assembly Speaker Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Tahir.

China and Sudan had maintained sound relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties four decades ago, Wu said.

He recalled his visit to Sudan in 2000, saying he witnessed expansion and increasing communication and cooperation in various fields, in particular in the greater economic cooperation between the two countries.

The fruitful cooperation in the oil industry added a new dimension to bilateral relations, said Wu.

As developing countries, China and Sudan shared identical or similar opinions on many major international issues, he said. The two countries should promote the tradition of Asian-African cooperation for the establishment of a new, just and rational international political and economic order.

Wu expressed China's gratitude for Sudan's adherence to the one-China policy.

Wu said the NPC attached great importance to its relations with the Sudanese National Assembly and Al-Tahir's visit would promote bilateral relations and exchanges between the NPC and the Sudanese parliament in international organizations such as Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

China's top legislature wished to enhance exchanges with the parliament of Sudan in legislation, said Wu.

Al-Tahir commended Sudan-China friendship and exchanges between the NPC and the Sudanese parliament, saying cooperation in the oil industry benefited the Sudanese economy and enhanced bilateral relations.

The Sudanese parliament would strive for better cooperation with China's NPC in bilateral and multilateral areas, Al-Tahir said.

Al-Tahir reiterated that the Sudanese parliament and government would adhere to the one-China policy and support China's reunification.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2003)