Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, shakes hands with Francisco Encina, president of the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress of Chile, during their meeting in Beijing Feb. 18, 2009.(Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo lauded Sino-Chilean relations on Wednesday in his meeting with Francisco Encina, visiting president of the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress of Chile, calling on the two sides to further boost inter-parliamentary ties.

    Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), highlighted the rapid growth of bilateral relations. He noted the two nations already enhanced trade cooperation to a new level and forged close coordination on international issues.

    China and Chile should join hands and maintain the growing momentum of bilateral trade relations in aim to jointly tackle the current financial crisis, Wu said.

    Regarding inter-parliamentary relations, Wu recognized the intensive exchange and cooperation between the two parliaments which "work positively" to cement the friendship between the two peoples.

    Encina said the various political parties in Chile shared strong aspirations to continue to boost ties with China.

    Interparliamentary relations were an important ingredient of bilateral relations, Encina said, expressing his hope that the two parliaments could work closer to step up bilateral relations in an effort to promote mutual understanding and trust.

    Encina also reiterated that the Chilean government and political parties would continue to adhere to the one-China policy.