China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said yesterday that he hoped the inter-parliamentary exchange mechanism set up between China and Australia will play a big role in promoting bilateral cooperation.

 

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a meeting with Ian Harris, clerk of the Australian House of Representatives.

 

Harris signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese side in Beijing Sunday to establish a regular exchange mechanism between the NPC, China's top legislative body, and the Australian House of Representatives.

 

Wu, who visited Australia last year, said the signing of this MOU institutionalized inter-parliamentary exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, and will help maintain the ongoing exchanges between the two sides.

 

Harris said Australia wants to develop its relations with China, and hopes that parliamentary exchanges will help lift bilateral relations to a new level.

 

Harris is here as guest of Sheng Huaren, vice chairman and secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2006)