Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, shakes hands with David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados in Beijing, China, May 5, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- China was ready to work with Barbados to further increase exchanges and cooperation, said top legislator Wu Bangguo here Monday.

    Wu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, made the remarks in a meeting with David Thompson, prime minister of Barbados, who arrived here Monday for a four-day official visit.

    Wu said China and Barbados, since forging diplomatic relations 31 years ago, had enjoyed a healthy and stable growth in bilateral relations, with increasing high-level visits and mutual trust in politics, and fruitful cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and culture.

    China applauded Barbados' understanding and support in the Taiwan issue, and supported Barbados' development path and policies, Wu said, hoping that Barbados would play a positive rolein the Caribbean integration process.

    China valued its relations with Barbados, which was an important cooperative partner in the Caribbean, Wu said.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, meets with David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados in Beijing, China, May 5, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Wu said China would work with Barbados to expand friendly exchanges between the two parliamentary organs, promote friendship between the two peoples and close coordination in international and regional affairs, in a bid to realize win-win results.

    Thompson expressed appreciation for China's support and help, saying that the government of Barbados would work towards cementing and strengthening friendly cooperation with China.

    Barbados would continue to firmly stick to the one-China policy, he noted, adding that Barbados would make contributions to promote relations between the Caribbean and China.

    Thompson expressed the hope that the two nations would expand cooperation in economy, tourism and culture.