Top legislator Wu Bangguo made a three-point proposal to boost parliamentary exchanges between China and Russia on Wednesday.

 

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the proposal in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 

Wu suggested China's NPC and Russia's Federal Assembly enhance exchanges and cooperation in legislature.

 

He said the two parliaments should share their legislative experiences in safeguarding the smooth development of macro-economy, economic and national security as well as the construction of special economic zones.

 

On the trade and energy cooperation between the two countries, Wu said he hoped the two parliaments would join hands to provide legal guarantees for the stable development of bilateral trade and supervise the implementation of key projects.

 

He also expressed his hope that deputies of the two parliaments, who represented different regions, would contribute to the development of relations between Chinese and Russian provinces and cities.

 

On the Year of Russia and the Year of China, two major projects that the two countries have decided to host in 2006 and 2007, Wu said he believed the activities would further improve the China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation.

 

"The Chinese NPC is a zealous supporter and participant in the Year of Russia in China," Wu said.

 

Putin said he was satisfied with the close relations between Russia's Federal Assembly and China's NPC.

 

He congratulated Wu on the successful completion of the fourth session of the 10th NPC.

 

Putin said Russia had carefully studied the key documents adopted at the session, and he believed that the documents would bring about opportunities to boost Russia-China economic and trade cooperation.

 

Putin said his trip to China was set against the background of the rapid development of bilateral ties. "The visit has enhanced mutual trust and has produced substantial results."

 

He also expressed his hope that Wu's upcoming visit to Russia would further consolidate bilateral ties.

 

Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday morning for a two-day state visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 23, 2006)