A 19-member Chinese Parliamentary delegation, led by Li Tieying, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, called on Pakistani Chairman of the Senate Muhammad Mian Soomro in Islamabad on Monday.

During the meeting, matters concerning bilateral relations, the promotion of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries in particular, were discussed.

Extending a warm welcome to Li and members of the delegation, Soomro said that Pakistan and China traditionally enjoy close friendly relations. He said that frequent exchange of high level visits is an important aspect of Pak-China close and friendly relations and that the visit of the delegation would lead to more parliamentary exchanges between the two countries.

Soomro recalled the successful visit of Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), to Pakistan in December last year. The Senate chairman also informed the delegation that he would lead a Pakistani delegation to visit China in near future.

He said that Pakistan appreciates Chinese cooperation and valuable assistance in various projects like Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, HMC, Taxila, Gwadar Port and Thar Coal Projects. He said that Pakistani businessmen were keen to have joint ventures and more contacts with Chinese businessmen in various fields especially in textile. He expressed the hope that parliamentary exchanges would promote business cooperation between the two countries.

Li Tieying said that the Chinese NPC and the CPPCC attached great importance to further strengthening their relations with Pakistani counterparts. He also conveyed to the Senate chairman greetings from Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Wu Bangguo and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee Jia Qinglin.

Li said that the chairman of the CPPCC National Committee was looking forward to the Senate chairman's visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2004)