Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo pledged on Monday to boost parliamentary exchanges with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

During a meeting with Chairman of the Kazakh Senate Nurtai Abykayev, Wu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said China and Kazakhstan are important neighbors to each other and bilateral ties have been growing smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties.

The political mutual trust, complementary economies and mutual help in security have brought tangible benefits to the two countries and the two peoples, Wu said.

The strategic partnership between the two countries, established last July during Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Kazakhstan, served as a clear guidance to the growth of bilateral ties, he said.

The Chinese top legislator expressed China's willingness to boost the NPC's friendly cooperation with the Kazakh parliament, carry out exchange in legislation and oversee the implementation of accords and large-scale projects.

Abykayev spoke highly of the rapid growth of the Chinese economy and reiterated Kazakhstan's firm support for China's reunification cause.

He vowed to strengthen the Kazakh parliament's exchange and cooperation with the NPC, oversee the implementation of bilateral agreements and enhance coordination in international and regional groups.

When meeting with Erkin Khalilov, speaker of Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber, Wu spoke highly of bilateral relations between the two countries, saying China values ties with Uzbekistan and views the Central Asian country as a reliable friend and important partner.

Wu pledged to work with the Uzbek side to promote the friendly exchange between the parliaments of the two countries and boost cooperation in developing economic and trade ties and fighting terrorism.

Khalilov agreed with Wu on his assessment of bilateral ties and said developing ties with China is a priority of Uzbekistan's foreign policy.

Uzbekistan appreciates China's foreign policy and adheres to the one-China policy, Khalilov said. He added that Uzbekistan is ready to deepen cooperation with China in economic and trade ties and security and welcomes Chinese investment in Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek parliament stands ready to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the NPC and boost parliamentary exchanges at all levels and move forward the Uzbek-Chinese relations.

Parliament speakers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will gather in the Russian capital on Tuesday for their inaugural meeting.

The SCO groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Source: Xinhua