China and Egypt vowed in Beijing on Wednesday to further intensify parliamentary exchanges and cooperation and foster the regular exchange mechanism between the two parliaments.

The agreement was reached in the talks between top legislator Wu Bangguo and visiting Egyptian parliament speaker Ahmed Sorour. They also exchanged views on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), recalled his visit to Egypt in May when the two parliaments set up the exchange mechanism, saying that the NPC would join hands with the Egyptian parliament to improve the quality and enhance the level of the bilateral cooperation.

"We hope to the see the cooperation between the two parliaments help increase the mutual understanding and mutual trust between the two peoples," Wu told Sorour.

He also acknowledged the rapid growth of the bilateral relations in the past 50 years, highlighting the fact that the relations have established a good example for harmonious coexistence and common development among developing countries.

Wu said that China highly values the relations with Egypt, expressing the hope that the two sides could cement the friendly cooperation between the two governments, parliaments and political parties in an effort to expand the mutual understanding and support on international and regional issues of common concern.

He expressed his appreciation to Egypt's support on issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, noting that China also respects the path that Egyptian people choose to develop their nation.

Wu also briefed the guest about the just-concluded 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Sorour, who is Egypt's People's Assembly Speaker, extended his congratulations to the success of the 17th CPC National Congress.

He also expressed his appreciation to the important agreements reached in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China- Africa Cooperation held in November 2006 and the follow-up implementation actions from China.

"I hope the important platform could help step up the Egypt-China and Africa-China relations", Sorour said, noting that the Egyptian People's Assembly would continue its efforts to improve the exchange mechanism and generate new contribution to the development of the bilateral relations.

He also reiterated Egypt's adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to the "Taiwan independence."

(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2007)