Top legislator Wu Bangguo on Monday vowed to further cement
parliamentary exchanges between China and Chile, and promote
pragmatic cooperation in trade.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, made the remarks when
meeting with Antonio Leal Labrin, president of the Chamber of
Deputies of the Chilean National Congress (NC).
China-Chile relations had entered a "new period" for rapid
development, Wu said, adding the two countries had strengthened
political trust and supported each other on issues of mutual
concern.
The two countries had implemented a free trade agreement and
launched service and investment trade negotiations, he said.
"China highly values its relations with Chile, and is ready to
make joint efforts with Chile to set bilateral ties as an example
for state-to-state relations," Wu said.
Leal said that the desire for enhanced relations with China was
shared by both the Chilean government and public.
He also expressed appreciation for the domestic and foreign
policies of the Chinese government as well as the achievements the
Chinese people had made in building the country.
Concerning parliamentary exchanges, Wu said China's NPC and
Chile's National Congress enjoyed sound cooperation and maintained
exchanges between top leaders.
"China's NPC is to further cement friendly exchanges with
Chile's National Congress, expand personnel exchanges, carry out
exchanges in the legislative field, and promote pragmatic trade
cooperation between the two sides," Wu said.
In response, Leal said the Chilean Chamber of Deputies would
continue to boost exchanges and cooperation with the NPC, and make
new contributions to developing Chile-China relations.
(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2007)
