Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, holds talks with President of the Spanish Congress Jesus Posada in Madrid, Spain, May 24, 2012. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

　　MADRID, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Spain on Thursday pledged to step up their parliamentary exchanges in a bid to facilitate the comprehensive and strategic partnership between the two countries.

　　The pledge was made during talks between China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and President of the Spanish Congress Jesus Posada.

　　Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), arrived in Madrid Wednesday on a six-day official goodwill visit to Spain.

　　Wu noted that the two parliaments should carry out substantial exchanges on governing a state, global financial system reform and dialogue among different civilizations to increase mutual understanding and reach more consensus.

　　"We can talk about issues we both agree on, and issues we have differences on," said Wu.

　　On bilateral cooperation, Wu said China encourages the enterprises to exploit the market in Spain and at the same time welcomes Spain to expand export of competitive and high-tech products to China.

　　Wu suggested that the two parliaments, by making better use of the China-Spain Forum, serve the increasing demand of pragmatic cooperation between the two countries on such fields as trade, science and technology, education and culture.

　　Wu expressed thanks for Spain's support on issues concerning China's core interests like Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, saying China appreciates Spain's push for the European Union to recognize China's full market status and to lift arms embargo.

　　China supports Spain's efforts to stabilize financial market and restore economic growth, and will continue to provide help within its capacity, said Wu.

　　Posada, for his part, said Spain values relations with China and the new Spanish government and parliament will keep the policy unchanged and continue to develop friendly cooperation with China.

　　Posada expressed his appreciation for China's help, saying China's support has given the country confidence to overcome difficulties.