Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, shakes hands with President of the Latin-American Parliament Ney Lopes after he is granted a medal of the Latin-American Parliament in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Sept. 2, 2006. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

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    Top legislator, Latin American Parliament chief meet on ties, politics 

    SAO PAULO, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and President Ney Lopes of the Latin American Parliament met here Friday to discuss relations between China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Latin American Parliament and major political issues of common concern. 

    During the meeting, Lopes said that both the Latin American Parliament and he stick to the one-China policy and oppose "Taiwan independence," which he said is a serious political commitment.

Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China (NPC), shakes hands with President of the Latin-American Parliament Ney Lopes during their meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sept. 1, 2006.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    The Latin American Parliament's decision to grant the NPC the status as an observer in 2004 was a major approach to realize this commitment, he said.

    Lopes expressed the belief that Wu's current visit will contribute to promoting the development of the already established friendly relations and cooperation between China's NPC and the Latin American Parliament to a higher level.

    Speaking on the same occasion, Wu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said that the NPC values its relations with the Latin American Parliament and hoped the two would expand their friendly exchanges.

    He said that the Latin American Parliament was the most important interparliamentary organization in Latin America and the Caribbean region. The parliament has been playing an active role in maintaining regional peace and stability, promoting democracy and legal system building, and boosting solidarity among different peoples, Wu said.

    Wu expressed gratitude and appreciation for Lopes' reiteration of the adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to "Taiwan independence," and thanked him for his support for China's efforts in realizing national reunification.

    Wu arrived in Sao Paulo Thursday afternoon from Brasilia, where he started his Brazil tour on Tuesday. After Brazil, Wu is also to visit Uruguay and Chile. Enditem