China and Lithuania agreed Wednesday to promote cooperation between parliamentary bodies.

 

The National People's Congress was ready to maintain high-level exchanges with the Lithuanian parliament in the spirit of mutual respect and trust, as well as common prosperity, said Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee at a meeting with Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus.

 

Wu said the parliaments of the two countries should learn from each other on legislature and strengthen exchanges between special committees.

 

Adamkus said the parliament played an important role in the political arena of a country, and he hoped the two parliaments could further the relationship.

 

President Hu Jintao held talks with him Tuesday. Premier Wen Jiabao met with him Wednesday.

 

Wen said China and Lithuania should promote the bilateral economic and trade cooperation. China will expand its range of imports from Lithuania and provide convenience for Lithuanian entrepreneurs to invest in China.

 

China attaches importance to developing relations with Lithuania and will make joint efforts with Lithuanian side in stepping up cooperation in international affairs so as to push the bilateral friendly relations to a new height, Wen noted.

 

Adamkus said that China and Lithuania have complementary economies, so there is big potential in strengthening the bilateral economic and trade relations, especially in the field of investment.

 

Lithuania will attend the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, said Adamkus. He also expressed his hope to enhance exchanges and understanding between young people of the two countries.

 

Adamkus is in Beijing for a five-day state visit to China. Besides Beijing, he also visited China's business hub Shanghai.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2006)