BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday pledged to improve exchanges and cooperation between the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Irish parliament.

Wu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who is to conclude his first official visit to China Wednesday night.

Wu hailed the development of Sino-Irish ties since diplomatic relations were forged in 1979.

He spoke highly of the strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation the two sides agreed to forge during the visit.

China will work with the Irish side to enhance cooperation, support each other on issues concerning their core interests, and strengthen strategic mutual trust, Wu said.

China appreciates Ireland's adherence to the one-China policy, and its support to the development of Chinese-European relations, he said.

Wu urged the two sides to speed up cooperation and fully play their respective advantages in technology, capital and market.

On parliamentary exchange, Wu proposed the two sides expand exchange at various levels and through different channels, including the parliament leaders and the specific committees.

Kenny said the establishment of strategic partnership with China will provide opportunities for further cooperation, and his country will work with China to implement all the consensus reached during the visit so to benefit the two peoples.

As guest of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Kenny arrived in China's economic hub of Shanghai on March 25 to start the official visit.