Top Chinese lawmaker wraps up fruitful Latin America tour

China's top legislator, Zhang Dejiang, wrapped up Thursday a fruitful three-nation tour of Latin America that has contributed to promoting relations and cooperation between China and Latin America.

During his visit to Peru, Colombia and Mexico that started on Nov. 20, Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), underscored, together with leaders of the host countries, the importance of strengthening bilateral legislative cooperation and mutual exchanges in other fields.

MUTUAL RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING

The visit by the chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, China's national legislature, aimed to boost common interests with mutual respect and understanding.

In Mexico, Zhang called on both countries to firmly support each other on affairs of common concern and expand reciprocal cooperation.

In political and economic fields, Zhang said the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership should be consolidated on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and common development.

In Colombia, Zhang urged the two states' legislatures to share their experience in governance, including ways of maintaining social stability and promoting social justice.

Zhang called on Colombia and China to learn from one another's experiences in fighting terrorism and corruption, as well as to develop greater exchange and cooperation.

Chinese Ambassador to Peru Huang Minhui said Zhang's visit has helped to promote bilateral cooperation and exchange, and boosted the China-Latin America strategic partnership as well as global peace and justice.

CLOSER COOPERATION

While meeting local Chinese business leaders in Peru, Zhang suggested they explore and make use of all opportunities for expanding cooperation.

Economic ties should be strengthened on the basis of mutual benefit with an eye on boosting the relationship between China and Latin America, including Peru, he said.

In Colombia, Zhang highlighted the toughened friendly ties and practical cooperation between the two countries. He noted in Mexico that both countries are big developing countries and emerging economies with significant shared interests and a promising outlook in cooperation.

The two countries should work more closely on large infrastructure projects in energy and high technology areas, and on expanding exchange in education, science, technology and culture, to lift bilateral strategic cooperation to a higher level.