Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, when meeting Mexico's congressional leaders Friday in Mexico City, expressed the hope that legislatures of China and Mexico have more exchanges to jointly advance state relations.

Wen and Senate President Enrique Jackson Ramirez and other congressional leaders had a good discussion, according to a press release from the Chinese delegation.

Jackson said the Mexican Senate attaches great importance to Wen's visit. He cited an unprecedented resolution approved the previous day to suspend a scheduled Senate debate Friday and invite the Chinese premier to address the chamber.

In his address to the legislators at the Senate, Wen said China and Mexico have friendly feelings for each other despite a long distance, as the two countries shared similar experiences in history -- both suffered foreign invasions.

As important developing countries, both China and Mexico are at a significant stage of development, Wen said, adding that mutual understanding, support and sympathy between the two peoples are the foundations for mutually-beneficial cooperation.

China and Mexico are partners instead of competitors and they will never be competitors, Wen affirmed, proposing that a mechanism be set up for the two countries to embark on a road for mutual benefit and common development.

Wen told the legislators that the Chinese government is willing to work together with the Mexican side for stronger bilateral ties.

Welcoming the Chinese premier, Jackson said great changes have taken place in China in the past 20 years. The country has become a locomotive leading Asia's economic growth and plays an important role in world affairs.

More cooperation between Mexico and China is in the interests of both countries, Jackson said.

Earlier in the day, Wen met former Mexican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez. Wen spoke highly of the efforts made by Echeverria in facilitating the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Mexico in 1972.

Wen praised Echeverria, 81, who served as the president of Mexico in 1970-1976, as "a goodwill messenger of the people."

(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2003)