Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Monday urged enhanced exchanges between the legislatures of China and Colombia to promote bilateral ties.

Xi, who is on an official visit to the South American country, made the call during a meeting with Colombian parliament leaders -- Hernan Andrade, president of both the Colombian Congress and the Senate, and German Varon, president of the Chamber of Representatives.

Xi spoke highly of the efforts of the Colombian parliament in promoting bilateral ties.

He called for enhanced exchanges between China's National People's Congress and the Colombian parliament, especially between the respective special commissions and friendship groups of both legislatures, and the sharing of experiences with each other.

He said despite the great geographical distance between China and Colombia, friendship between the two peoples enjoys a long history, adding that the two countries have been good friends and good partners with sincere trust and cooperation.

"We highly appreciate the Colombian government's adherence to the one-China policy," he said.

Both Andrade and Varon said the Colombian parliament will do its utmost to promote bilateral relations.

Colombia is the third leg of Xi's six-nation tour. He has already visited Mexico and Jamaica, and will proceed to Venezuela, Brazil and Malta.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2009)