China and Belgium on Monday agreed to boost parliamentary exchanges after a meeting between top legislator Wu Bangguo and Herman De Croo, chairman of Belgium's Chamber of Representatives.

 

"The Chinese National People's Congress is ready to strengthen exchanges with the Belgian Chamber of Representatives to push forward relations," said Wu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

 

This year marks 35th anniversary of Sino-Belgian diplomatic ties. Wu said the relationship had developed in a healthy and stable way.

 

"China will work with Belgium to push forward the cooperation," said Wu.

 

Vice President Zeng Qinghong also met with De Croo.

 

Zeng said China and Belgium had deepened political dialogue, economic cooperation, and exchanges in the recent years.

 

They shared similar views on major international issues and had maintained close cooperation in dealing with the issues such as UN reform and African development, he said.

 

"China hopes to work with Belgium to create a new era in which the two peoples share friendship with mutual benefit and global peace, stability and development," Zeng said.

 

Zeng expressed appreciation for Belgium's adherence to the one-China policy.

 

De Croo said Belgian political circles were united on developing relations with China, and Belgium hoped to further parliamentary exchanges with China.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2006)