China to strengthen parliamentary ties with Jamaica

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), shakes hands with Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 22, 2013. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Thursday said China is willing to cement parliamentary ties with Jamaica.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the comments during a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, noting that the NPC underscores developing friendly ties with the Jamaican parliament.

"The NPC is willing to further cement and develop ties with the Jamaican parliament, enhance their communication and expand their cooperation so as to provide legal basis to the two countries' cooperation and communication," he said.

China and Jamaica have enjoyed stable development of bilateral ties and achieved fruitful results in their cooperation since the two nations established diplomatic ties, Zhang said, adding that recent agreements reached between the two countries leaders have created scope for future cooperation.

Simpson Miller said Jamaica is happy with the sound development of bilateral ties and expects further progress in the relationship.

She thanked China for its assistance and voiced hope to enhance cooperation.