Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), shakes hands with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic during a meeting in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, May 19, 2012. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

　　ZAGREB, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China hopes to play a bigger role in Croatia's infrastructure construction and will encourage more Chinese tourists to visit the South European country, China's top legislator said.

　　Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks during a meeting Saturday with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic.

　　He reviewed the sound development of China-Croatia ties, saying bilateral relations have a solid political foundation as the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests.

　　The two countries also share an immense potential for cooperation in economy and trade, Wu said.

　　With its vast forest and rich water resources, Croatia is an ideal destination for tourists and also boasts very developed industries such as ship-making and medicine.

　　On the other hand, China, after over three decades of reform and opening-up, is now an active player in making investment overseas and a main source of global tourists, Wu said.

　　The two countries should take the development of mutually-beneficial cooperation as a priority in their efforts to strengthen ties, especially in infrastructure, investment and tourism, he said.

　　China supports Chinese companies to invest in Croatia and actively take part in Croatian infrastructure projects such as ports, railroads, and power stations, he said, adding that China will also encourage its citizens to travel in Croatia.

　　He also expressed the hope that the two sides could further increase cultural exchanges.

　　Wu Bangguo (3rd R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic (3rd L) in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, May 19, 2012. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

　　Wu Bangguo (2nd R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), and Croatian Parliament Speaker Boris Sprem (2nd L) unveil the plaque of the Confucius Institute of Zagreb University in Croatia, May 19, 2012. Wu Bangguo and Boris Sprem jointly attended the launching ceremony of the Confucius Institute of Zagreb University on May 19. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

　　Wu Bangguo (L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), talks to students of Zagreb University in Croatia, May 19, 2012. Wu Bangguo and Croatian Parliament Speaker Boris Sprem jointly attended the launching ceremony of the Confucius Institute of Zagreb University on May 19. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

　　Wu Bangguo (R, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), claps hands after giving books as gifts to Zagreb University in Croatia, May 19, 2012. Wu Bangguo and Croatian Parliament Speaker Boris Sprem jointly attended the launching ceremony of the Confucius Institute of Zagreb University on May 19. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

　　Wu Bangguo (2nd L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), visits a transformer factory of the Koncar Group in Croatia, May 19, 2012. (Xinhua/Xu Liang)