China and Latin America agreed to further the parliamentary exchanges to promote their relationship, said a Chinese top legislator Friday.

"We hope to have a regular exchange system," said Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) during a meeting with Ney Lopes, president of Latin-American Parliament (LAP).

The exchanges between the NPC and the LAP have reached a new height since the two sides signed an agreement last March to enable the NPC to become an observer of the LAP, he said.

Wu also expressed gratitude for LAP and Lopes adherence to the one-China policy.

He said China attaches importance to the relationship with Latin American countries and the trade volumes have increased rapidly in recent years. The two sides have maintained frequent high-level exchange of visits and cooperated in the international affairs, he added.

Lopes said he fully understands Chinese people's aspiration on the country's reunification, reaffirming that the LAP adheres to one-China policy.

He also expressed wishes to have a regular exchange system between the LAP and the NPC.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2005)