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)