China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met with Speaker Luka Bebic of the Croatian Assembly in Beijing Tuesday, and called for closer parliamentary exchanges to boost all-round cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Jia Qinglin (R),chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with visiting Speaker Luka Bebic of the Croatian Assembly, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2009.[Xinhua]

"We hope to strengthen friendly exchanges with the Croatian Assembly, and carry out cooperation among various levels and through diversified channels," Jia told Bebic in the Great Hall of the People.

He praised the progress of bilateral ties since the forging of diplomatic ties 17 years ago, citing fruitful cooperation in various areas including politics, trade, culture, education, technology and global affairs.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, appreciated the one-China policy pursued by the Croatian government, Assembly and people.

Bebic, who assumed the role of speaker of the Croatian Assembly in January last year, said his country is glad to see China's great achievement in its socialist modernization drive.

To develop relations with China and the Communist Party is a consensus of the Croatian government, political parties and various circles of the society, he said.

The Croatian Assembly is ready to make new contribution to facilitating substantial cooperation between the two countries, he added.

Invited by China's top legislator, Bebic arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a week-long tour to China.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2009)