Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Francois Bozize Yangouvonda, president of the Central African Republic, who is here attending the ceremony for the China National Pavilion Day at the World Expo Park in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 1, 2010. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
SHANGHAI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo met with Central African Republic President Francois Bozize in Shanghai, who is here for the World Expo and attended celebrations of the China National Pavilion Day on Friday.
Wu, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, welcomed Bozize's presence at and support for the World Expo and extended Chinese President Hu Jintao's greetings to him.
Since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations in 1998, bilateral links have been growing rapidly with profound achievements in various areas, said Wu.
China and Central Africa first established diplomatic links in 1964. But official ties were halted twice between 1966 and 1976 and between 1991 and 1998.
"China considers Central African Republic as a good friend and is willing to develop long-term, stable relations based on mutual respect, benefit and equality," said Wu.
He called on both sides to further strengthen political mutual trust, support each other on issues concerning respective core interests, deepen pragmatic cooperation, implement the consensus reached between the two countries' leaders.
He also called for increased coordination on international issues to protect the interests of developing countries, including China and Central African Republic.
Bozize hailed China as "a role model" for African nations. "China made great achievement in opening-up and reform and modernization, fully demonstrating the Chinese people's capacity to build better lives," said Bozize.
Bozize said his country treasured the friendship with China and hoped they would work together for more comprehensive, in-depth cooperation.