Chinese top lawmaker Wu Bangguo said in Beijing Tuesday that China's national legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), would like to promote its relations with the Belgian parliament.  

Wu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said that the two sides would enhance exchanges between parliamentary leaders, special committees and friendly groups, share legislative experience, and strengthen cooperation in regional and international parliamentary organizations.

During a meeting with visiting Belgian King Albert II, Wu said that parliamentary exchange is an important channel for pushing forward bilateral ties.

He said that Sino-Belgian relations have developed rapidly as a result of frequent high-level contacts and fruitful economic and trade cooperation. He also noted that during the king's current visit, the two sides have reached new agreements on furthering cooperation in many fields including science, education and trade.

He expressed the belief that King Albert II's visit would help further promote the existing friendly relationship between the two countries.

King Albert II told Wu that his visit, though not very long, has already achieved much success, as it has helped expand the areas for bilateral cooperation and strongly push forward the comprehensive development of Belgium-China relations.

Belgian King Albert II arrived in Beijing on Saturday morning for an eight-day state visit to China. It is the first China tour by a Belgian head of state in the past 24 years.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2005)