China will work with Micronesia to further exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments, said top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo in Beijing Wednesday.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a meeting with visiting Micronesian President Joseph J. Urusemal who is here on a state visit as guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Wu said the NPC attaches importance to such exchanges and cooperation which have helped promote the development of bilateral relations and the understandings and friendship between the two peoples.

He pointed to the substantial growth of bilateral relations in the past 15 years of bilateral diplomatic ties with constant exchanges of high-level visits, fruitful cooperation in various fields, and sound cooperation in international and regional affairs.

He said China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, holding that all countries, no matter big or small, are equal members of the international community.

China will continue to develop bilateral friendship and cooperation with a sincere attitude, added Wu.

He expressed his appreciation for Micronesia's one-China policy and briefed Urusemal on China's domestic situation.

Urusemal spoke highly of China's rapid economic growth and said the development of bilateral friendly and cooperative relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties has benefited Micronesia.

He said Micronesia will, as always, strengthen bilateral cooperation of mutual benefit.

He said the Micronesian government respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, holds that the Taiwan question is China's internal affairs, and will continue its one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2004)