The friendly relationship between China and Syria is conducive to boosting bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and increasing economic and trade ties will in turn consolidate the two countries' traditional friendship, China's top legislator said in Beijing Wednesday.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks while meeting with visiting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Wu said China and Syria have a long tradition of friendship. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Syria was one of the first Arab nations that officially recognized the PRC.

Syria was also one of the nations that initiated the draft resolution requiring restoration of the PRC's legitimate seat in the United Nations, Wu said.

With the great changes in international situation in recent years, Wu said, China and Syria have been cooperating with each other in safeguarding their respective national sovereignties and coordinated in important international and regional issues.

In the past 25 years, Wu said, China achieved great social and economic progress. The Chinese government encourages enterprises to expand overseas business. China will support cooperation in oil exploitation and high technologies with Syria.

Bashar said he fully agreed with Wu on his comments on bilateral relations. He reiterated that Syria pays great attention to China's active role in international affairs.

He said his country is willing to further develop bilateral relations, especially in trade and economy, science and technology and investment.

Wu also said the NPC has kept close contact with the Syrian side. He suggested the two sides keep high-profile exchange and strengthen cooperation between parliamentary committees.

Bashar said Syria will actively push forward the cooperation between the Syrian parliament and the NPC.

Wu and Bashar also exchanged views on the current international situation and other issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2004)