China is ready to promote mutual understanding with Norway and boost their relations in an all-round way, visiting top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo said when delivering a keynote speech at the Oslo Conference Center.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, hailed the smooth development of Sino-Norwegian ties, especially in the field of economic and trade cooperation.

The two countries' total trade surged to a record high of 1.76 billion US dollars in 2003, and China has become Norway's largest trading partner in Asia.

Wu pointed out that the Norwegian parliament and the Chinese National People's Congress also played an important role in promoting bilateral ties and mutual understanding through exchanges and cooperation.

While expressing satisfaction over the current Sino-Norwegian relations, Wu said they still have huge potential to develop.

Stepping up comprehensive cooperation for mutual benefit will be in the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries, and helpful for world peace and development, he said.

China is willing to strengthen dialogues and consultation with Norway on important international and regional issues, boost economic and trade cooperation, and encourage bilateral exchanges in educational, scientific, cultural and other fields, the top lawmaker said.

Norway is the last leg of Wu's four-nation European tour, which has also taken him to Russia, Bulgaria and Denmark. He is scheduled to leave here for China on Friday.