Chinese senior legislator meets European Parliament members

Senior Chinese legislator He Luli met with a delegation of the China-EU friendship group from the European Parliament in Beijing Tuesday.

The delegation, led by chairman Nirj Deva, is paying its first visit to China since its establishment in December 2006.

He, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said the group will be a good bridge connecting the NPC with the European Parliament, as well as China and the European Union.

She said China attaches highly importance on developing relations with the European Union. By conducting more contacts, the two sides would enhance mutual understanding and political trust.

"China and the European Union need to work together on many issues, including climate change, global warming, the Darfur issue..." Deva said.

Deva added that he hopes a similar friendship group can be established under the NPC so as to further push forward exchanges and cooperation between the NPC and the European Parliament.

He agreed with Deva's suggestion and said the two sides can have further discussion in this regard. She called on the two sides to make use of existing exchange mechanism between the NPC and the European Parliament to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The NPC, China's top legislature, established an exchange mechanism with the European Parliament in 1981, under which regular meetings were held.

The China-EU friendship group is an unofficial group within the European Parliament consisting of more than 20 parliament members, including President of the parliament Hans-Gert Poettering.

The delegation is invited by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Besides Beijing, the delegates will also tour Shanghai, China's leading industrial center.

Source: Xinhua