Senior Chinese legislator Sheng Huaren yesterday called for more direct contacts between Chinese and Canadian parliamentarians, so as to avoid misunderstanding and to increase mutual understanding.

 

Sheng, vice chairman and secretary-general of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, China's top legislature, said this in his meeting with a Canadian delegation headed by parliamentarian Dan Mcteague.

 

Since establishment of diplomatic ties in 1970, China and Canada have cherished rapid and sound growth in bilateral relations, Sheng said, adding bilateral cooperation in various fields has been expanded.

 

He hopes the two countries properly handle existing disputes and promote healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.

 

Mcteague said the Canadian parliament always upholds the one-China policy, which will remain unchanged.

 

He expressed hope the two parliaments reach more consensus through exchanges and promote bilateral relations in a continuous manner.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2007)