Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, speaks while Sergei Mironov, chairman of Russia's Federation Council, looks on during a news conference in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 18, 2006. The Chinese and Russian top legislatures held a round table in Harbin on Monday. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Sept. 19 -- As one of the major projects in the "Russia Year in China," the two sides have held legislative round-table meetings in Harbin. As Yao Hong explains, it's a new platform within the existing regular exchange framework.

    China's top legislator Wu Bangguo spoke on creating a healthy legal environment for the Sino-Russian strategic partnership. He proposed two sides amend the laws and regulations that are not in accordance with the development of bilateral relations.

    Wu said the legislative bodies should help enterprises to understand the laws of the other country to ensure orderly economic and trade cooperation.

    He also noted China would like to learn from Russia about Internet management and strengthening the cooperation with NGOs.

    This is the third visit to China by the Chairman of Russia's Federation Council, Sergei Mironov. He said the exchanges have become an important part of the strategic partnership.

    On the sidelines of the meeting, representatives from the standing committees from different Chinese regions held discussions with their Russian guests on issues such as employment, income, social insurance, education and environment.

    The two countries are preparing for the "China Year in Russia" next year, when the second legislative round-table meeting will also take place.

(Source: CCTV.com)