China would like to enhance cooperation with Yemen in the legislative field to comprehensively push forward the relationship, said the Chinese top legislator.

"The exchanges between the two parliaments, an important component in the bilateral relations, will improve the mutual understanding and friendship of the two peoples," said Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

He told visiting Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Qader Bajammal that the NPC attaches importance to the relationship with the Yemeni parliament.

Wu said that Sino-Yemeni relations have developed steadily, and the cooperation has been fruitful since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

"Furthering the friendly cooperation conforms to the fundamental interest of the two countries, and will benefit the two peoples as well," Wu said.

He also expressed gratitude for the support of Yemen towards China on the Taiwan and the human rights issues.

Bajammal said that his visit has achieved success. He added that the close friendship between Yemen and China has shortened the distance between the two countries. Yemen attaches importance to developing the cooperation with China in all fields, and believes that Yemen-China relations will benefit the peoples of the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2004)