China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said parliamentary exchanges between China and Kenya will promote state-to-state relations, reported China Daily on Monday.

Wu, who met with Francis K. Ole Kaparo, speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya (NAK), was speaking during his visit to the capital of the East African country.

Exchanges between China's National People's Congress (NPC) and NAK are an effective vehicle for increasing mutual understanding, friendship and trust between peoples of the two countries, said Wu, who is chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

He told Kaparo that although China and Kenya have different social systems as well as varied histories and cultures, the two countries are dedicated to promoting democracy and adhering to the rule of law.

He said the NPC is willing to embark on friendly co-operation with NAK at all levels and enhance exchanges.

Wu offered gratitude to the Kenyan Government and the country's parliament for their consistent support of China's stance on Taiwan.

Wu said this is "the political basis for maintaining and developing bilateral relations."

Wu said that the friendship between China and Kenya conforms to benefits of the two peoples and is also conducive to peace and development in the region and the wider world.

Also on Saturday, Wu visited the United Nations Office at Nairobi and met with Shafqat Kakakhel, deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Daniel Biau, acting deputy executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, or UN-Habitat.

Kenya is the first leg of Wu's four-nation African tour, which started on Friday.

Wu is to visit Zimbabwe, Zambia and Nigeria.

Source: China Daily