Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), met with Armand De Decker, president of the Senate of the Belgian parliament, in Beijing Monday.

Wu said China and Belgium have maintained friendly relations, and bilateral cooperation on economic and trade, culture, and science has been vigorous.

Belgium, an initiator of the European Union, has played a constructive role in promoting cooperation between China and the EU, he noted.

China and Belgium share more and more common interests in safeguarding world peace and achieving common progress, he said, adding that China is ready to work with Belgium to push forward bilateral ties.

Wu said that China's rapid economic growth provides rare opportunities for Belgian enterprises and other multinational companies.

He reaffirmed the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue, and expressed appreciation for the adherence of the Belgian government to the one-China policy.

The Chinese NPC would like to enhance exchanges with the Belgian parliament to help promote relations between the two countries, Wu said.

De Decker expressed his appreciation for the achievements China has scored in economic growth and social development, hoping that his visit would further the relations between Belgium and China, and relations between the EU and China.

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2003)