Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC), met Thursday with Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Jose De Venecia.

Wang, speaking highly of the development of China-Philippines relations, exchanged views with the guests on further promoting party-to-party relations between the two countries, and substantiate the International Conference of Asian Political Parties as an exchange platform for Asian political parties.

De Venecia said the Philippines and Asia as a whole benefit a lot from the CPC's efforts to promote friendly relations with other parties and countries, to resolve regional issues through peaceful means and to promote peace, prosperity and development of Asia.

The Philippines is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPC and benefit the Asian people, he said.

De Venecia, at the invitation of Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), is paying a good-will official visit to China from Jan. 8 to 16. 
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2008)