Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg, May 23, 2012. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)
LUXEMBOURG CITY, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Wu Bangguo, China's top legislator, and Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg pledged during a meeting Wednesday to advance ties and cooperation between China and Luxembourg.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), said bilateral and multilateral cooperation has flourished during the four decades since the two countries established diplomatic ties.
Noting that Luxembourg is among the world's important international financial centers, Wu said the two countries could focus in general on cementing cooperation in the financial sector. The two nations, he said, should especially make a point of strengthening coordination in the improvement of laws and regulations, operations and management and human resources training.
He also suggested the countries' two central banks establish exchanges in the future.
Wu said enterprises from the two countries could step up cooperation in emerging fields, such as high-end manufacturing, cutting-edge technologies and modern services.
Beijing supports Chinese enterprises in beefing up investments in Luxembourg so as to bring into full play the latter's role as a major transit hub for Chinese companies looking to expand their presence in European markets.
Wu also expressed hope that Luxembourg could provide more favorable conditions for China when it comes to financing, visas and staff recruitment.
For his part, Juncker said the two countries, with different national conditions, do not always see eye to eye, but their differences have not hindered the development of bilateral ties.
That's because the two sides also share the same or similar stances on many international and regional issues and enjoy broader common interests, he said.
Luxembourg, the prime minister said, puts a premium on improving its relationship with China.
Juncker said he expects to see strengthened reciprocal cooperation between the two countries in financial services, air transport, tourism and education.
Luxembourg, he said, welcomes more investment from Chinese enterprises, and hopes the businesses could thrive there.
Juncker reiterated that his country adheres to the one-China policy, respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and discourages any efforts to foment the break-up of China.
Wu and Juncker also exchanged views on European debt issues and the economic situation.
Wu said China is concerned about the development of European debt issues. As the world's largest economy, the European Union has a significant influence on not only its member countries, but also China and the world.
Achieving a strong economy and sustainable growth is the way to solve the European debt issues, which should also be based on the efforts of the EU itself, Wu said, adding that China will, as always, support the stability of the euro.
Wu also expressed hopes for expanding bilateral trade, scaling up mutual investment and opposing all forms of protectionism.
Moreover, Wu said, China is willing to import more products from the EU and promote bilateral trade balances. China also hopes that the EU could recognize China's market economy status as soon as possible and relax restrictions on high-tech exports to China.
For his part, Juncker said, the EU member countries are taking the necessary measures concerning the current difficulties and are confident on the euro and the outlook for European economy.
Juncker said the rapid development of the Chinese economy is the driving force of global economic recovery. He said that Luxembourg is willing to strengthen dialogue with China on macro-economic policies and jointly fight protectionism.
Wu arrived here Tuesday on a two-day official goodwill visit. Luxembourg is the third stop of his four-European nation tour, which also includes the Netherlands, Croatia and Spain.