The legislatures of China and Syria pledged Friday to work more closely for stronger bilateral ties.

The pledge came out of a meeting between top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and the President of the Syrian People's Assembly, Mahmoud Abrash.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, hailed the friendly interaction between the two legislatures and proposed closer exchanges.

Abrash, who was making a week-long China visit as Wu's guest, said the Syrian People's Assembly would like to strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation with the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

On bilateral relations, Wu said Syria was among the first Arab countries to forge diplomatic relations with China on Aug. 1, 1956.

Wu hailed the smooth growth of bilateral ties, citing the two nations' political trust, economic cooperation, cultural exchange and coordination on international issues.

He proposed both countries work more closely on trade, investment, technology and large projects.

Abrash said his country was committed to developing a comprehensive friendship with China.

Earlier Friday, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top advisory body, met separately with Abrash.

Jia said the CPPCC and Syria's National Progressive Front should share their experience in participation in their respective countries' political affairs to contribute to promotion of understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Abrash said he hoped his visit would boost the ties between National Progressive Front and the CPPCC.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2009)