Top legislator Wu Bangguo Thursday reaffirmed that China will work to expand friendly relations with Sudan.

"Strengthening this relationship is in the interests of the two peoples, and will help promote cooperation between China and Africa and contribute to peace and stability of the region and the world at large," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

During a meeting with Deputy President of the Sudanese National Congress Nafi'a Ali Nafi'a, Wu said President Hu Jintao's Sudan tour in February had greatly advanced bilateral relations.

Noting that party-to-party exchanges had promoted mutual understanding and friendship, Wu said the Communist Party of China (CPC) would like to expand exchanges and cooperation with the Sudanese National Congress to develop the relations between the two countries.

Nafi'a Ali Nafi'a said Sudan values its relations with China, and will make joint effort to upgrade the reciprocal cooperation and friendly exchanges to a new height.

The Sudan guest is visiting China from March 28 to 31 at the invitation of the CPC.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2007)