Li Peng, chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress Standing Committee, held formal talks with Italian Chamber of Deputies President Luciano Violante Thursday afternoon.

Li said China and Italy have a long history of friendly relations, and the relations have developed smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties nearly 30 years ago.

The frequent exchanges of visit in recent years have promoted Sino-Italian relations to a new high, he added.

Li noted that the Chinese NPC and the Italian parliament have increased contacts, and the Chinese side would like to develop the exchanges between parliament leaders, commissions, and friendly groups.

Violante voiced his hope to sign relevant agreements to strengthen cooperation between the two parliaments. The cooperation covers the exchange of relevant magazines, law documents and web information, he added.

He said that there are three chairmen or vice chairmen of the special commissions in his delegation, adding that this shows that the Italian parliament values the relations with the Chinese NPC.

He also noted that the improvement of the legal systems is a common problem facing all countries. The European Union countries are studying the way of improving the legal systems, so learning from China in this field is important.

Li stressed that the Constitution is the fundamental law of China, and the foundation for all laws as well. The establishment and the implementation of the laws is to secure the reform, sustained economic development and social stability, he added.

Li also briefed the guests on the people's congress system of China, functions of the NPC organs at all levels, and the election process of the NPC.

(Xinhua)