MONTEVIDEO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo met here Monday with President of Uruguay Tabare Vazquez and the two leaders agreed to build closer ties between their countries.

    Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, said China highly values relations with Uruguay and hopes the two countries would increase high-level contacts and visits to improve political trust.

    He also urged the two countries to expand economic cooperation and trade and promote exchanges among the private sectors to ensure the long-term, stable development of bilateral friendly ties.

    China and Uruguay forged official ties 18 years ago. China has become Uruguay's fifth largest trade partner.

    Wu reviewed the development of the China-Uruguay relations, saying that the two have shown similar stands on many international and regional issues and kept close consultation and cooperation.

    He also expressed China's appreciation to Uruguay for its firm support to China in the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

    Vazquez said Uruguay hopes to improve exchanges with China in technology and medical sciences and is ready to enhance cooperation with China in bilateral and international affairs to boost the development of bilateral relations.

    Wu arrived in Uruguay on Sunday, which is the second leg of his three-nation tour in South America. He is expected to leave Uruguay for Chile on Tuesday. Enditem