Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, April 29, 2010. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Beijing Thursday, pledging more parliamentary exchanges in a bid to facilitate bilateral ties.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People' s Congress (NPC), said a healthy and stable China-France relationship is in accordance with the interests of both countries.
China will work closely with France in the spirit of equality and mutual respect to push forward an all-round strategic partnership, Wu added.
Wu said the NPC will work with the French side to improve parliamentary exchange mechanisms.
The NPC will also increase dialogue and communication with the French side to serve bilateral ties, Wu added.
Wu also briefed Sarkozy on China's reform of its political system, its construction of democracy and its legal system.
Sarkozy said France regards China as an important partner and that the two countries should enhance mutual understanding and boost cooperation in various fields.
Sarkozy arrived in Xi’an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province, Wednesday morning, starting his three-day state visit to China.
During his talks with Sarkozy later Wednesday, Chinese President Hu Jintao said China-France ties have opened a new page.
Sarkozy is due to meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday before attending the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo.
