Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo Wednesday told an Irish delegation that the parliaments of China and Ireland should strengthen exchanges.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, met with a delegation from the Parliament of Ireland headed by Chairman of the House of Representatives Rory O'Hanlon. Rory Kiely, chairman of the Senate, is also a member of the delegation.

Wu said that since both China and Ireland face the similar tasks of promoting democracy and legal system, the expansion of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries at all levels and in various forms will reinforce the two peoples' understanding and friendship.

Wu said that bilateral relations have developed rapidly in recent years. The two countries have maintained frequent exchange of visits by high-ranking officials and improved political trust.

Bilateral cooperation in various fields has been fruitful.

Wu said that the economies of China and Ireland are highly complimentary, having great potential of closer cooperation.

Wu said China is ready to further expand areas of cooperation with Ireland and push forward bilateral relations.

O'Hanlon noted with pleasure the sound momentum of Ireland-China relations, saying that cooperation in such fields as information technology, agriculture, education and tourism have grown rapidly over the past few years and brought substantial benefits to the two countries and two peoples.

He said during the current China trip, the delegation visited eastern coasts and western parts of the country. He said he is deeply impressed by great progress that China has made in its reform and opening to the outside world.

He said this trip helped him and his colleagues gain a deeper understanding of China. He said he wished to contribute to the growth of friendship between the two peoples, expansion of cooperation and exchanges and advancement of bilateral relations.

Source: Xinhua