China, Colombia pledge closer legislative ties

BOGOTA - Top Chinese and Colombian legislators on Monday vowed to promote exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies.

The pledge came out of top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang's separate talks with Colombian Congress President Jose David Name Cardozo and President of Chamber of Representatives Fabio Raul Amin Saleme.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies are an important part of China-Colombia relations and play an irreplaceable role in enhancing the friendship and boosting practical cooperation.

Zhang called on the legislatures of the two countries to increase exchanges at all levels and better understand and respect each other's major concerns.

Zhang urged the legislatures of the two countries to share experience on governance, including the experience on maintaining social stability and promoting social justice.

The top Chinese legislator called on the two countries to learn from each other on combating terrorism and fighting corruption.

Zhang also proposed inter-party exchanges and cooperation, and experience sharing on state governance and party building.

Name and Amin said Zhang's visit to Colombia, the first by a top Chinese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1980, is significant.

Both houses of parliament would like to work with the NPC to play a more active role in building mutual understanding and respect and strengthening practical cooperation.

They reaffirmed the Colombian Congress' support for China's peaceful reunification.

Columbia is the second leg of Zhang's ongoing nine-day Latin America tour, which also includes Peru and Mexico.