Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC's Standing Committee, meets with IPU Secretary-General Anders B. Johnsson at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China,on May 31, 2010.(Lan Hongguang/Xinhua)
BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo pledged Monday to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks when meeting with IPU Secretary-General Anders B. Johnsson.
Wu said the NPC was willing to actively participate in IPU activities, and enhance parliamentary contacts with other countries.
Praising the IPU's contributions to world peace, Wu said the IPU played an unique role in promoting the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, protecting the interests of women and children, and boosting understanding between legislative bodies worldwide.
The IPU was the longest-standing and the most influential international organization of parliaments, he said.
Johnsson said the IPU was willing to cement cooperation with the NPC, as it valued the ties between the two sides.
Johnsson said the IPU expected the NPC's support for and participation in the Third Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, which was scheduled to be held in Geneva in July.
Earlier Monday, Johnsson also met with Li Jianguo, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.
The IPU was established in 1889. With more than 150 members, it serves as a focal point for worldwide parliamentary dialogue.