China's top legislator Saturday proposed stronger parliamentary ties with Russia, among other cooperative initiatives.
"China-Russia relations have enjoyed a golden age since the two nations forged the strategic partnership of coordination in 1997,"chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, told visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
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Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Beijing, China, May 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) |
"Now comes a new era for the two countries to carry forward the past and chart a path to the future," Wu told Medvedev, who is here for his first visit abroad since taking office in early May. "Both countries face great opportunities for development."
Wu said, China has put relations with Russia high on its foreign policy agenda.
China would like to work with Russia to enhance political trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, cement strategic collaboration and keep China-Russia ties in good shape, Wu said.
"Fruitful results have come out of my current visit," Medvedev said, stressing he believed bilateral ties will stay on the right track.
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Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (L) in Beijing, China, May 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) |
On the first day of Medvedev's visit, he and Chinese President Hu Jintao signed a joint statement outlining their common ground on major international issues.
Officials and entrepreneurs from both countries signed a package of cooperative deals ranging from energy and aerospace to tourism and forestry.
While recognizing improved exchanges and sound cooperation between the Chinese and Russian parliaments, Wu proposed they support one another on issues vital to the core interests of both countries.
Wu urged both parliaments to seek closer coordination in international and regional legislative organizations.
Hailing legislative exchanges as a major part in bilateral strategic ties, Medvedev said he expected parliamentary bodies to enhance communication, carry out consensus and advance all-round cooperation.
Earlier Saturday, Medvedev placed a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing.
Medvedev will conclude his two-day China tour Saturday night.