Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Thursday met with visiting presidents of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and Liberia in Beijing, calling for strengthened parliament exchanges in the future.

 

During his meet with Joao Bernardo Vieira of Republic of Guinea-Bissau, the top legislator of China said that NPC would like to further enhance friendly cooperation with the parliament of Guinea-Bissau to boost mutual understanding and cement friendship of the two peoples.

 

He said that the diplomatic ties between China and Guinea-Bissau have been growing smoothly with increased mutual political trust and broader cooperation.

 

Vieira reiterated that Guinea-Bissau will "stick to the one-China policy firmly," regard China as the "real friend" and facilitate cooperation with China in an all-round way.

 

In his talk with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Wu said that the Sino-Liberian diplomatic relations have grown rapidly since Liberia abandoned its ties with Taiwan in October 2003.

 

"China appreciates Liberian government and parliament for its adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China's reunification cause," Wu said.

 

Wu said that the cooperation potential between China and Liberia is huge. China would like to work with Liberia to explore new ways and methods to materialize the consensus reached by leaders of both countries and to benefit both peoples, he said.

 

Johnson-Sirleaf said it is an "unswerving policy" of Liberia to advance diplomatic ties with China.

 

She said that the achievements of China's economic reform are very impressive, adding that Liberia hopes to borrow from China's experience and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fishery, infrastructure facilities and mineral exploitation.

 

Both of the two presidents are here to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation slated for November 4-5.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2006)