Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo called here Friday to enrich the relations between China and Liberia, suggesting the two make efforts to push ties to a higher level.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Liberian Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Wu highlighted the growth of bilateral relations in recent years, noting that China appreciates Libeira's adherence to the one-China policy and the country's emphasis on relations with China.

China-Liberian trade hit 400 million U.S. dollars in the first four months of this year, up more than 70 percent year on year and the annual volume was 1.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2008, Chinese custom figures show.

Wu told Boakai that exchanges and communication between the two parliaments would help increase political mutual trust, consolidate the social foundation and foster public awareness for the two to promote national relations.

The NPC is willing to step up its cooperation with the Liberian National Assembly at various levels and in various fields, Wu said.

Echoing Wu's views on bilateral relations, Boakai expressed Liberia's admiration for China's economic achievements and appreciation for China's long-term support.

Liberia considers China a sincere friend and will intensify its cooperation with the country in fields such as education, public health and technology, Boakai said.

Boakai, who is here for his first China tour as guest of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, also visited Shanghai, China's financial and economic powerhouse before he arrived in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2009)