Top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Beijing Wednesday that China will join hands with Colombia to push forward friendly exchanges and cooperation between the legislatures of the two countries.  

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remark during his meeting with a delegation from the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia headed by its president, Zulema Del Carmen Jattin Corrales.

Wu said since China and Colombia established diplomatic links 25 years ago, the two countries have seen smooth development of bilateral relations and increased mutual political trust.

Trade and economic cooperation between the two countries have maintained good momentum, Wu said. He said the two countries share a great potential of mutual investment and have kept improving cooperation in such areas as education, justice and culture.

Wu said the two countries share a great number of similar or same views on international and regional issues and supported each other on international occasions. He said China is satisfied with the development of bilateral links.

Wu said in recent years, successive presidents of Colombian Senate and Chamber of Representatives have visited China. Their visits have pushed forward relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Wu said the NPC is ready to join hands with the Congress of Colombia to promote the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the legislatures of the two countries so as to deepen friendship between the two peoples.

Wu expressed appreciation on Colombia's support to China on the Taiwan and human rights issues and its adherence to the one-China policy.

Jattin said the Congress of Colombia places great importance on developing relations between Colombia and China. She said the Colombian Congress firmly sticks to the one-China policy and supports the cause of reunification of China. She said the Colombian Congress is ready to further expand exchanges and cooperation with the NPC so as to deepen friendship and relations between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2005)