The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, will actively push forward the development of its relations with the European Parliament (EP), said NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo in Beijing Tuesday.  

Wu made the remarks at a meeting with an EP delegation for relations with China, headed by Elly Plooij-Van Gorsel from the Netherlands.

Wu said the relationship between the NPC and the EP constitutes an important component of Sino-European relations and the development of their relations will inject new vigor into Sino-European relations.

Citing the smooth development of Sino-European political and economic relations and cooperation in various fields, Wu said the Chinese side is satisfied with the development of bilateral ties.

He said China hopes to see the European Union's bigger role in international affairs, which is conducive to world peace and stability, as well as to world economic development.

He said the further development of Sino-European overall strategic partnership conforms to the fundamental interest of both sides and the development of the world situation.

Plooij-Van Gorsel said the EP attaches importance to its relations with China and will strengthen cooperation with the NPC so as to make contributions to the development of Europe-China relations.

(Xinhua News Agency March 17, 2004)