President Xi meets Trinidad and Tobago's Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith, left, and Speaker of House of Representatives Wade Mark in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, June 1, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

PORT OF SPAIN - President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for more exchanges between the legislative bodies of China and Trinidad and Tobago while meeting with the parliament leaders of the Caribbean nation.

"I hope the legislative bodies of the two countries can maintain exchanges, and learn from each other on legislation, supervision and governance," Xi said when he met with Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith and Speaker of House of Representatives Wade Mark.

Xi said legislative exchanges can enhance mutual understanding, consolidate public support for the development of the bilateral relationship and promote friendly cooperation between the two countries.

The Chinese president also spoke highly of the achievements that Trinidad and Tobago has achieved in social, economic and ecological development.

Xi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday evening for a three-day state visit, the first by a Chinese head of state since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1974.

Xi said he has reached new major consensus on expanding bilateral cooperation with the leaders of Trinidad and Tobago during his visit.

Smith and Mark, for their parts, recalled their visits to China last year, saying the tour helped them better understand the country's development path and governing methods.

They said Trinidad and Tobago supports the Chinese people to pursue their Chinese dream, and their country's parliament hopes to have regular exchanges with the National People's Congress of China to further promote bilateral ties.

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