Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, met in
Beijing Tuesday with Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU commissioner for
external relations and neighborhood policy.
Wu said that China has always attached great importance to the
relations with the EU and is ready to make joint efforts with the
EU to promote the healthy and in-depth development of the all-round
strategic partnership between China and the EU.
"The exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of both
sides are an important part of China-EU relations," Wu said. "And
the mechanism of regular consultation and exchange of visits has
provided an important platform for strengthening exchanges,
enhancing understanding and building trust."
Wu said the two sides should strengthen friendly exchanges and
make new contribution to enhancing friendship between the two
peoples and deepening bilateral pragmatic cooperation.
Waldner said the EU will adhere to the one-China policy, support
China's peaceful reunification and is willing to strengthen and
expand friendly exchanges and cooperation with China in various
fields.
Waldner was here for an official visit to China from January 16
to18 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.
Wu also met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmonov on
Tuesday. Wu said China is ready to work with Tajikistan to
earnestly implement the treaty on good neighborly friendship and
cooperation signed by Chinese and Tajik presidents on Monday.
Rakhmonov said the Tajik government supports the legislative
bodies of both countries to strengthen cooperation and play a
greater role in promoting bilateral relations.
Rakhmonov held talks with President Hu Jintao on Monday and
attended a business and investment forum between China and
Tajikistan on Tuesday together with Vice Premier Wu Yi.
Rakhmonov arrived here on Monday morning for a seven-day state
visit to China as Hu's guest.
(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2007)
