Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met in Beijing Tuesday with Longin Hieronim Pastusiak, speaker of the Senate of the Polish National Assembly, and his party.

Wu said Poland was one the oldest diplomatic partners of the People's Republic of China, and relations had continued to develop.

The meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski in May pushed forward relations, he said.

China valued relations with Poland, and respected the choices of the Polish people on its domestic and foreign policy. He expressed gratitude for the support of Polish government on the Taiwan and Tibet issues.

Wu said the exchanges between the NPC and the Polish National Assembly had played a special role in promoting relations.

The Chinese and Polish parliaments had different systems, but both had legislative and supervisory functions, and the NPC wanted to develop comprehensive cooperation with the Polish Senate and the House of Representatives.

Pastusiak said China was Poland's largest trading partner in Asia, and Poland attached importance to developing relations with China. He was pleased to meet China's new leadership.

He said the Chinese and Polish parliaments had maintained friendly relations. Another delegation from Polish National Assembly was also visiting China.

He hoped to promote relations through exchange visits.

He commended China on its rapid economic growth, and said it offered experience for Poland.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2003)