China's top trade union leader Wang Zhaoguo met in Beijing Tuesday with trade union leaders of five north European countries, vowing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

 

"It is of great significance to deeply exchange views between the two sides on issues of common concern," Wang told his counterparts from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland who were here attending a seminar on the role of trade unions.

 

Wang, who is also vice-chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, also stressed the importance of exchanging views between the two sides on the role of trade unions in building harmonious working relations.

 

He noted that the relations between China and the five north European nations have developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic relations and bilateral trade union cooperation has also made great achievements.

 

Ellen Stensrud, first confederal secretary of Norwaygian Federation of Trade Unions, said she hopes the seminar can strengthen the exchanges and cooperation between two sides to better safeguard trade union rights of the two sides.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2006)